John Pecora

SACO — John ‘Jack’ Pecora, age 80, of Saco passed away on Tuesday, October 18th at home with his family by his side.

Jack was born March 5, 1942, in Woburn, MA to Angelo and Anna Pecora. He was a 1960 Woburn High School graduate, a US Army Veteran, and later retired from Massachusetts Water Resources Authority.

In 1965, Jack met Susan, who would later become his loving wife of 56 years. Jack and Sue started their family in Stoneham, MA, but later relocated to Maine to join their three children and their families. Maine quickly became home, enjoying weekly Sunday dinners together and numerous holidays and events. It is where Jack got to watch his family grow and where Susan, the rock of the family, continued to care for him during the end stages of his fight.

Jack was an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching the Patriots and Bruins and playing on adult softball and hockey teams. Outside of his love for sports, Jack was a devoted husband, father, grandparent, and friend. His ability to connect and befriend anyone was admirable. He had a contagious personality, which quickly earned him brownie points with all neighbors and eventually led to the infamous title of Mayor of the neighborhood. His friends could often find him smoking a cigar, listening to his music at full volume, or detailing anyones car, who would let him.

Although he battled Parkinson’s Disease for over 20 years, Jack had an impressive outlook on life. His motto was, growing old might be mandatory, but growing up was optional … and man did he live by that. He was a kid at heart who found what he loved, and did it often. Something we should all aim for in life.

Jack is survived by his wife Susan Pecora and their three children; Jennifer and Mark Strickland, Jodi-Marie and Dennis McCarthy, and Jason and Marcie Pecora. Seven grandchildren; Meaghan, Abigail, Zachary, Benjamin, Bryn, Nolan, Brady; and many loving family and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents Angelo and Anna.

John is being buried with military honors at Southern Maine Veterans’ Cemetery, during a private burial service. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, in John’s request, donations can be made to: Hospice of Southern Maine, 390 US Route One, Scarborough, ME 04074 or online at www.hospiceofsouthernmaine.org