John (Jack) Joseph Hawkins (September 19, 1942 - February 24, 2024)

Jack Hawkins, age 81, of Richmond Hill, GA, was reunited with his Heavenly Father on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Hospice House in Savannah, GA, after a long struggle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Jack was born in Chicago, IL, to Irene (Murphy) and Thomas Hawkins on September 19, 1942. In his youth, he was very active in Boy Scouts of America (Eagle Scout, 1958), and attended Oak Park and River Forest High School in Oak Park, IL. He served in the US Navy (1962 - 1966, honorably discharged as a Petty Officer, Second Class), as an electronics technician stationed at Cape Hatteras, NC. Upon leaving the Navy, Jack attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI.  He was a member of the Triangle Fraternity and earned a BS in Electrical Engineering in 1970.

Jack began a long career in sales and engineering at Westinghouse Electrical Corporation in 1970. There he met the love of his life and bride-to-be, Marta (DiBenedetto) Hawkins in 1972. Known for his work ethic, integrity, and expertise, Jack was repeatedly recognized for excellence. He was proud to help bring notable projects to fruition such as the Statue of Liberty’s Centennial Celebration in 1986. He survived the sale of his division of Westinghouse to Cutler Hammer and then Eaton Corporation, and retired from Eaton in 2005.

Beloved husband of 51 years to Marta; loving father of Amy Hawkins (Vineet Gupta), Christopher Hawkins,  Erin (Brian) Andrews and his faithful four-legged companion, Hobbes; devoted grandfather of Benjamin Hawkins-O’Rourke, Addison Hawkins, and Rohan Gupta; dear brother of Kathleen Triantafillou, Thomas Hawkins, Joan Pionke, and Robert Hawkins; fond nephew of Rita (Murphy) Blanchfield; cousin, uncle, and treasured friend to many.

Jack was an exceptional husband, father, and grandfather, always there with a word of advice, a bit of humor, or a warm hug. He was actively involved in the YMCA’s Indian Guides and Indian Princesses (known today as Adventure Guides), Boy Scouting (Assistant ScoutMaster 1987-1990; Merit Badge Counselor 1990-2007), and various youth athletic programs. He enjoyed golfing with his children and his friends.

Jack loved the Red Sox, UConn Women’s basketball, music (especially ragtime), and nature. In his retirement, he became a Master Gardener and a Master Naturalist through UGA’s extension programs, and studied piano playing. He cared deeply about the environment and loved helping plants grow. 

Jack will be remembered for his kindness, humor, passion, and integrity; for the twinkle in his beautiful blue eyes; for his “Jack scoops” of ice cream, always generous and aesthetically pleasing; for his exceptionally warm hugs and comforting back rubs; for loving his family so much that he soldiered bravely through years of great physical discomfort just for the privilege of getting to spend one more day with us.

A Funeral Mass will be held on  Thursday, March 14, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church,11500 Middleground RD, Savannah, GA 31419.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Ogeechee Audubon Society (checks payable to Ogeechee Audubon,P.O.Box 13424, Savannah,GA 31416. In memory of Jack Hawkins or the Humane Society of Greater Savannah (humanesocietysav.org).