OBITUARY- John Joseph Regan

John Joseph Regan, 58, of Boxford, Mass., died peacefully at home on Monday after a courageous battle with ALS. He was the much beloved husband of Faith (Flynn) Regan and the dedicated, devoted and proud father of Conor John Regan.

Born in Richmond, Va., son of John Joseph Regan of Monroe Township, N.J., and the late Edith (Battles) Regan, he grew up in Upper Montclair, N.J.

John was an entrepreneur who embraced challenge. He was the founder, president and CEO of PXT Payments,… Inc., of Andover, Mass., which created the innovative payments processing system called Looped In. He had a 30-year career in the credit card and payments processing industry.

A graduate of Montclair High School, he attended Bowling Green University in Ohio on a full scholarship as a music major focusing on piano. After changing directions, he transferred to Hobart College, where he majored in political science; graduating in 1978. He was a standout midfield lacrosse player on the varsity lacrosse teams at both colleges, having previously won the high school state championship in 1972 with the Montclair High School lacrosse team.

After college, he entered the Peace Corps, serving for two years teaching agricultural practices in the West African nation of Togo where he learned to speak French fluently. He spoke fondly of those years and developed a lifelong passion for history and foreign affairs. He later worked with the United Nations before entering business.

He developed the first signs of Lou Gehrig’s disease about two years ago and persevered throughout the ensuing ordeal with tremendous and amazing strength, dignity and grace. He stayed fully engaged in his life, continuing to enrich his family and friend’s lives with conversations about his many travels and interests, sharing his vast knowledge and humor, his love of music and his love for his family. John showed this incredible resiliency and strength throughout his entire life.

Besides his wife, son and father, he is survived by his sister, Mary Frances Faso (John) of Kinderhook, N.Y.; his sister, Eileen O’Brien of Tucson, Arizona; a brother, Joseph Regan (Tracey) of Canandaigua, N.Y. and many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial commemorating John’s life will be held on Friday, May 30th at 10:00 AM in St. Rose of Lima Church. 12 Park Street, Topsfield, MA 01983.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Compassionate Care ALS, 752 West Falmouth Highway, Falmouth, Mass., 02540; also at, www.ccals.org.

Arrangements under the care of Dee Funeral Home of Concord, Susan M. Dee and Charles W. Dee, Jr., Funeral Directors.