At the beginning of Milton’s Special Town Meeting on Monday, January 30, the assembled meeting members and town officials took a brief moment to recognize a lifelong Milton resident who passed away since the last Town Meeting.

While it is tradition to hold a moment of silence, John “Jack” Linehan, who passed away at age 84 in December, earned a lengthier recognition after 40 years of service as a Town Meeting Member. Planning Board member Ed Duffy made some comments about Linehan, prior to all Town Meeting Members standing in silence.

Linehan is a World War II and Korean War veteran as well as, as Duffy stated, “a member of the Greatest Generation.”

Linehan didn’t just serve his country; he also served his town. In addition to sitting as a Town Meeting Member until last year, Linehan served on the Planning Board for nine years and the Board of Selectmen for 12. He was the chair of both boards multiple times.

Linehan also served as a board member for the Fuller Trust. The Trust named a building after him in recognition of his service.

“He was without equal in his dedication and selflessness,” said Duffy.

Duffy also included remarks from prominent Milton residents like former Rep. M. Joseph Manning and retired attorney Bob O’Leary in his statement.