John Thomas Lally Sr.

John Thomas Lally Sr., affectionately known as Jack or Jacky growing up, and as Pop by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and woke up in Heaven on June 5, 2025. He was 78 years old.

John was born on February 21, 1947, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Passaic, New Jersey, where he attended school. In 1966, he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas — a decision that ultimately shaped the path of his life and family.

In 1969, John married the love of his life, Rosalinda Perez. Their marriage was filled with love, laughter, and the kind of steady devotion that built a strong and lasting family.

Throughout the years, John held several jobs and management roles, but he especially enjoyed his final job before retirement, driving a bus for Abilene City Link. He found joy in the daily conversations and connections he made with passengers, always ready with a joke or a kind word.

John will be remembered for his warm heart, generous spirit, and infectious sense of humor. He had a gift for making people laugh and never met a stranger. He was funny, outgoing, and deeply loving — qualities that touched everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Rosalinda Perez; his children, Carolyn Harris and her husband Milo Harris, and John Lally Jr. and his wife Rikki Lally; ten grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Lally and Caroline Hancock Lally, and his brothers, Robert Lally, James Lally, and William Lally.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on June 10, 2025, at Starbucks Funeral Home in Merkel, Texas. Graveside will follow on June 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Elmwood Memorial Park in Abilene, Texas.

John’s life was a testament to kindness, laughter, and connection. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

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