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John “Jack” Austin Powers of New York City and Southampton died on May 23 at his Manhattan home surrounded by family after a year of battling myeloma. Family members said this week that throughout his illness he never lost the dignity, gallant courage, or determination that so marked his life. He was 82.
Born in New York City, he served in the military during World War II and later graduated from St. Peter’s College. During his career in advertising, he served as president of McCann-Erickson in Europe and America, ultimately leaving that post to become the chairman and chief officer of operations for Heublein Inc., now Diageo. He served on various boards and dedicated himself to charitable interests, particularly in education and medicine.
Devoted to family and friends, his life was shaped by perseverance, survivors said this week. He will not be forgotten, they added, as he was a memorable presence, with limitless vitality and a keen intellect, who sought challenges in every aspect of life. He will be remembered for his integrity, business acumen and enchantment with his family and grandchildren.
Friends knew him to be engaging, loyal, and unflagging in his support. He is recalled to have possessed just enough knowledge about power tools to be dangerous, and his legendary repair projects are the stuff of family lore.
Mr. Powers is survived by his wife of 47 years, Eileen Powers; and two daughters, Cecilia Owen and Jennifer Powers, all of New York City and Southampton. From a previous marriage, he is survived by a son, John Powers Jr. and a daughter, Maribeth Moody, both of Florida.
Arrangements were under the direction of the O’Connell Funeral Home in Southampton. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 10, at 4 p.m. at St. Vincent Ferrer, 869 Lexington Avenue, New York City.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Mr. Powers’s endowment, Pain and Palliative Care Service, Attn: Dr. Kathleen M. Foley, at MSKCC, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021 would be appreciated by the family.
on May 27, 2009