William John "Jack" Kidd

William John “Jack” Kidd

With deep sorrow, we share that William John “Jack” Kidd, 89, of Westwood, formerly of Needham and Falmouth, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, surrounded by his beloved wife, Ruth, of 68 years, and his loving family.

Jack was born on June 22, 1936, in Norwood, Massachusetts, to George and Rose (Valquette) Kidd. He was raised on his family’s farm in Stoughton, Massachusetts and then moved to Newton, Massachusetts.  Jack proudly completed his education at Kimball Union Academy in New Hampshire, where he formed many lifelong friendships.

Known lovingly to his family as “Papa,” Jack is survived by his devoted wife, Ruth (Carroll) Kidd, and their seven children: Denise Kidd and Mike Lauria of Reading; Cheryl and Tom Duffy of Millis; Maureen and Bill McDermott of Mansfield; Valerie and Dave Duffy of Pocasset; John and Crista Kidd of Natick; Scott and Jennifer Kidd of Medfield; and Kevin Kidd and Jason Kohari of San Francisco.  His legacy of love lives on through his 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Jack was predeceased by his parents, George and Rose Kidd, and his brother, George Kidd, Jr., of Wellesley. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Always hardworking and entrepreneurial, Jack built a successful landscaping business at a young age before purchasing Winslow Nurseries in Needham, Massachusetts. After retiring, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of living on Cape Cod, residing in Chatham and later Falmouth. There, he obtained his captain’s license and began a charter fishing business aboard his beloved boat, The Antigua, in Falmouth Harbor.

Jack took great pride in many accomplishments throughout his life, including donating a large Christmas tree to Boston City Hall with his friend Brad Martin of Needham, and purchasing and renovating a 200-year-old farmhouse in Thornton, New Hampshire, for the enjoyment of family and friends. He had a deep love for the outdoors and spending time on the water.

Jack will be remembered most for his positive outlook, generosity, and unwavering loyalty. His family will forever cherish his wonderful sense of humor and his remarkable ability to light up any room. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. To his family, he was their safe place, their source of comfort and love.

Visiting hours will be held at Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Avenue, Needham, on Monday, May 4, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 5, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Bartholomew’s Church, 1180 Greendale Avenue, Needham. Burial will follow at Canton Corner Cemetery, 1600 Washington Street, Canton, Massachusetts.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack’s memory to the American Diabetes Association:
https://diabetes.org/ways-to-contribute

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