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 John Courtney Jr.
November 11, 2001
John D. Courtney Jr. of Naples, Fla., a former sheriff of Berkshire County and former chief of police in Williamstown, died Sunday at the home of his daughter, Mary Courtney Kennedy, at 784 North Hoosac Road. He was 79.
Mr. Courtney, whose long career in law enforcement began with service in the Massachusetts State Police from 1948 to 1957, was widely regarded as an innovator in the field of corrections. He was elected sheriff of Berkshire County in 1962 after serving for five years as Williamstown's chief of police.
In the mid-1960s, he became the first sheriff in Massachusetts to institute a work-release program for inmates at the House of Correction. He also established an education-release program in conjunction with Berkshire Community College.
"John Courtney was a real trailblazer," Berkshire County Sheriff Carmen C. Massimiano Jr. said yesterday. "During his tenure as sheriff of Berkshire County, many programs that became common practice throughout the correctional system in Massachusetts were initiated. In many instances, he was way ahead of his time."
Massimiano, who succeeded Mr. Courtney as sheriff when he retired in 1978 after 16 years of service, described him yesterday as "a gentleman always."
"This is a real loss," the sheriff said. " There are many wonderful memories and traditions John Courtney left behind, and as a result of his good work, a lot of people found their lives turned around in a very positive way."
As he worked to instill in others a high regard for the value of education, Mr. Courtney set a personal example, earning a bachelor's degree in political science from Williams College in 1970 and a master's degree in criminal justice administration from the State University of New York at Albany in 1972. He gained credits toward his bachelor's degree by attending classes at Williams a few times a week for eight years.
Following his retirement as sheriff of Berkshire County, he served on the faculty of St. Anselm College in Manchester, N.H., and later became superintendent of the Rockingham County (N.H.) Jail and House of Correction, a post he held until 1989. Soon afterward, he and his wife, the former Lois Moulen, moved to Naples, where he served as director of security at the Registry Resort. At the time of his death, Mr. Courtney was employed at the Naples Beach and Golf Club.
John Dennis Courtney Jr. was born on June 12, 1922, in Holyoke, son of John D. Courtney Sr. and Mary Bevan Courtney. He was educated in Holyoke schools and was a 1939 graduate of Holyoke High School. He later attended Monson Academy in Wilbraham and was named an alternate appointee to the U.S. Naval Academy.
Mr. Courtney enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 23, 1942, and saw extensive action at the battles of Guadalcanal, Tarawa and Saipan. He was honorably discharged in August 1945 as a corporal. After several years as a supervisor for United States Rubber Co. in Chicopee Falls, he joined the state police.
Besides his wife, whom he married on Sept. 12, 1953, in Pittsfield, and his daughter, who is town clerk in Williamstown, he leaves a son, John D. Courtney III of Pittsfield, a brother, Richard B. Courtney of Westfield, and six grandchildren. Survivors include his son-in-law, John Kennedy, and daughter-in-law, Deborah McLaughlin Courtney, and six grandchildren, Shaun and Kayla Courtney; Seth, Damon and Courtney George, and Amy George-Ferrar. He was predeceased by a brother, James Courtney.
A memorial Mass celebrating the life of John Dennis Courtney Jr. will be held from St. Patrick's Church in Williamstown on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 11 with the Rev. William Cyr, pastor, officiating. There will be no calling hours. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Courtney's memory may be made to Hospice of Northern Berkshire Inc. through GEORGE M. HOPKINS FUNERAL HOME INC., 61-67 Spring St., Williamstown, MA 01267, which is in charge of arrangements.
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