Obituary of COL John "Jack" T. Law, US Army (Ret.)

COL (Ret.) John "Jack" T. Law

CLIFTON PARK – COL John "Jack" T. Law, US Army (Ret.) passed away after a short illness with his beloved wife of 56 years and his family by his side on August 12, 2023.

Born in Troy, NY, to the late Thomas and Mary (McGrath) Law on April 1st, 1945, Jack attended St. Brigid's Grammar School and then Catholic Central High School, where he met his "beautiful bride," Roberta Maguire, when they were juniors. Together for over 60 years, they were married in 1967 and resided in Clifton Park since 1974, where they raised four children. 

COL. Law enlisted in the Army ROTC program at Siena College, earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He served in the Vietnam War as a Forward Observer with the 25th Infantry Division, earning numerous medals and decorations, most notably the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V", the Army Commendation Medal for Heroism, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

After his wartime service, COL Law served in the US Army Reserve and New York Army National Guard. In 1976, he was appointed in the New York Army National Guard as Assistant Comptroller and shortly after, Comptroller. In his full-time capacity, he was the Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration & Finance for the NY State Department of Military & Naval Affairs. He was promoted to "Full Bird" Colonel in 1983, and the following year, COL. Law assumed command of the HHC 205th Support Group and later, was the Brigade Commander of the 42nd Infantry Division. COL Law also earned a master's from SUNY Brockport.

After his retirement from military service, Col. Law 's other public service included employment at the NYS Health Dept. and the NYS Comptroller's Office, and in his final career chapter, was a Financial Advisor with Securities America.

He and his wife Roberta enjoyed traveling, embarking on numerous cruises all over the world, including Europe, Alaska and the Caribbean.

In addition to his parents, Jack was pre-deceased by his daughter, Amy. He is survived by three children: Jack II (LtCol, USAF/NYANG, Ret.) (Kim), James (Allison) and Kristin (Sherman) as well as five grandchildren: Max, Seth, James, Maeve and Will.

Jack was the only brother of five sisters: the late Kathryn "Kay" Wright (the late Roy), Barbara Healey (Joseph), Linda Law, Christine Barnes Ostrander (Ed) and Margaret "Margie" Perilstein (Dave). He is also survived by 17 nieces and nephews, several great-nieces, great-nephews and numerous cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend funeral services for Col. Law on Thursday, August 17th, 2023 at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home located at 149 Old Loudon Rd., Latham. The family will receive guests from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. A prayer service will begin at11:00 immediately followed by interment with full military honors at St. Mary's Cemetery, Waterford.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to The Community Hospice of Saratoga County, by mail to 310 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208 or online at www.communityhospice.org/donate.