John M. Clements

John M. "Jack" Clements, 89, of New Bedford passed away peacefully at home Saturday, March 7, 2026. He was the husband of the late Carole D. (Roderick) Clements, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage.

Born in New Bedford on July 14, 1936, he was the only son of the late John and Florence (Hackett) Clements. Both of his parents died at an early age, which caused Jack to be brought up by his maternal relatives.

He attended Holy Family High School where he enjoyed playing on the basketball and baseball teams. After graduating, he went to St. Mary's Seminary and earned a degree in philosophy. He then joined the National Guard and was called to active service with the U.S. Army during the Berlin Crisis.

Upon returning home, he married Carole in 1961 and together they started their family. For 16 years Jack worked for Catholic Social Services as an adoption supervisor. He attended night school at Suffolk University in Boston and graduated with a Master's Degree in college and community counseling. He was instrumental in starting the Catholic Counseling Services for the Diocese of Fall River, for which he became one of the first recipients of the coveted Marian Medal Award in 1968. He served as President of both the New Bedford Serra Club and the Southeastern Counselors Association. Jack was a guest speaker at many religious and service clubs regarding unwed mother and adoption services.

For the last 20 years of his career he was a special needs school adjustment counselor for the New Bedford School Department, where he also enjoyed a successful time as the golf coach for New Bedford High School.

Jack was an avid golfer and longtime member of the Country Club of New Bedford. He made five holes in one, was a finalist in three local Fourball Championships in the same year, 1975, and won the August Fourball at CCNB in 1991. In his later years, he enjoyed watching Patriots and Celtics games and taking frequent trips to Foxwoods.

Jack was a friend to all who knew him, but most important in his life was his family whom he loved dearly.He is survived by his five children, John M. Clements, III, Maureen Thomas and her husband Michael, Christopher Clements, Andrew Clements and his wife Linda, and Stephen Clements; ten grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 10 AM at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 121 Mt. Pleasant St., New Bedford. Calling hours are omitted and burial will be private. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack's memory may be made to the LaSalette Shrine, 947 Park St. Attleboro, MA, 02703, for which he had a special devotion.

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