John P. Lane, 94, 35-Year Haverhill Police Officer, PAL Baseball Coach

John P. Lane, 94, of Haverhill died on April 17 at Penacook Place.

Born in Haverhill in 1924, Lane graduated from Saint James High School in 1942. He subsequently served in the Quartermaster Corps as a technician and heavy truck driver in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1943 to 1946 stationed in Burma and India.
Following his discharge, Lane began his lengthy career of service with the Haverhill Police Department. He served a 35-year career of distinction until his retirement in 1982.

He was known as an avid sports fan and enthusiast, participating in both golf and bowling. He was a baseball coach for many years with the Police Athletic League (P.A.L.), nurturing many youngsters and assisting them in their development. He was admired and respected for giving much to his country, his community, his family, friends, and church along with numerous charities.

Lane also enjoyed nature, travel, various other sports, and had a thirst for learning which he loved to share and encourage with his family and friends. He was a devoted and thoughtful family man who will always be remembered for the love he shared. The experiences and memories of those who knew him will always be cherished in their hearts.

He was an active member of Sacred Hearts Parish in Bradford. In addition, he was an active supporter of Boston Children’s Hospital, Salvation Army, Alzheimer’s Association, and numerous other organizations. Indeed, it seemed that there was never a needy cause from which he could turn away. He was known by family and friends as having a gentle, kind, and nurturing spirit who always put the needs of others before his own.

Lane is predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Pauline G. (Sable) Lane and leaves two sons, Dr. Gary M. Lane of Bradford, and Dr. Paul J. Lane of Los Angeles and his wife Barbara, two grandchildren, Briana Lane of Studio City, Calif., and Amanda Lane of Washington, D.C., a brother Edward Lane of Methuen, sister-in-law Helen Otis and husband Ray of Methuen and brother-in-law Bob Sable and wife Anne of North Andover. He also leaves several nieces and nephews.

The Lane family would like to extend their gratitude to the entire staff of Penacook for their outstanding care during his stay with them. Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Penacook Place activities fund, 150 Water St. Haverhill, MA 01830
Friends and family are invited to attend calling hours on Saturday, April 21, from 9-11 a.m. at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St., Haverhill. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. at Sacred Hearts Church in Bradford. Burial with Military Honors will follow at St. James Cemetery.