WOBURN - Mayor Thomas McLaughlin had high praise last night for the fine civic efforts of WRA Chairman John Marlowe, 68, who passed away unexpectedly last week.

In addition, tributes poured in from others, including Vice Chairman Donald Queenin and WRA board members past and present.

Marlowe, 68, had been a WRA board member since March 4, 1986 and its chairman for nearly decades. He was a major force in bringing together the public and private sectors to revitalize the downtown Woburn area over this period of time.

At times, the half-hour tribute to Marlowe became highly emotional, as individuals like former long-time member Richard O'Rourke had to choke back his emotions over his long association with Marlowe.

Talk of a memorial to Marlowe, especially in the Citizens Park area adjacent to the WRA office, also punctuated the meeting. Several ideas came forward during and after the meeting to honor him.

Queenin added at the start, "Citizens Park was his pride and joy. Also, there is the ongoing bikeway. Something will be done for him."

As photos of the late chairman shown through the windows of the downtown offices at 471 Main St., McLaughlin, who re-appointed him, called him "a dedicated and compassionate public official who contributed many hours of his time without any compensation whatsoever to make Woburn a better place to live and work."

McLaughlin also looked beyond the current picture of establishing Citizens Park and work on downtown, Woburn Loop Walkway and Bikeway to Winchester and Magazine Hill. At one point back in the 1950s, the WRA was charged with seeing the Woburn Industrial Park development through to fruition to make for a vital regional economy, successful business and jobs.

"He is one person who I can honestly say made a huge difference here in the city of Woburn," said McLaughlin. "All one has to do is look at the transformation that took place over the years in the area that now hosts the Woburn Mall, Lowe's, Target, Raytheon, the Anderson Transportation Center and much more to see Jack's significant imprint on an area that once had a dark past."

"More recently, Jack's presence was felt here in downtown Woburn where new businesses, restaurants, flower baskets on the light poles and a number of other improvements and renovations have taken place. It was my distinct pleasure to re-appoint Jack to the WRA and I found him to be one of the most congenial, interesting and dedicated persons I have ever met," concluded McLaughlin.

Vice Chairman Queenin

In the first meeting since Marlowe's passing, Queenin, who has represented the WRA at City Council hearings like the sale issue of 371 Main Str. (the WRA headquarters building in the middle of downtown Woburn), said, "Sorrow fills our hearts at this sad time, a sorrow that is deep and personal. The news of the death of Jack came as a great shock. His departure was sudden, unexpected and a tremendous loss to all of us."

"The character of the life he lived might be summed up in a few words, he was sincere, he was passionate, he was loyal, he was industrious and he was self sacrificing," said Queenin.

Queenin continued:

"Jack was a relentless crusader for what he believed right. When it came to the city of Woburn, specifically downtown, Jack was at his best. My involvement with Jack began with the creation of the Downtown Revitalization Committee over 10 years ago.

"Needless to say, all the major projects that downtown has experienced, Jack was the driving force. The Street Light Program, Flower Baskets, Magazine Hill, Facade and Sign Program, Pilgrim Building, Memorial Clock, Bikeway, and probably the most notable - Citizens Park. All these enhancements, Jack Marlowe's fingertips were all over them."

In additional reflections, Queenin added: "Sometimes we differed with him politically, but we all recognize that his vision and decisions were to make Woburn a better place for all.

"Though death has removed Jack from our midst our beloved Chairman's spirit, will, influence, and his example will be with us for many years."

Accolades

The praise for Marlowe came from the heart from present and former members.

WRA member Donald Manzelli noted his relationship went back to 1970 and 1971, when both were active in the expansion of the North Suburban Family YMCA in West Woburn.

"He was a fine gentleman then and a fine citizen. He was a great leader that far back and was so open for the love of his city."

WRA member Richard Miliano echoed similar sentiments. "I did not know him back then but came to know his now and had nothing but the greatest respect for him. There are no words to express my sorrow. He was always thinking of what he could do for the city."

Member Lorrin Ferlisi added similar comments noting his devotion to the city and to the ongoing work of the WRA.

Former member John Connolly expressed his sorrow at his passing, noting Marlowe's firm hand and direction during his years on the board. And, long-time former member Richard O'Rourke, choking back words, told his first meetings with Marlowe in North Woburn and his admiration for his interest in the city and the goals he had set. An emotional O'Rourke was unable to finish his words about the former chairman.