Obituaries

Jack was my custodian at Van Hise Middle School. He was the best custodian I ever had in my 37 years of teaching. He took great care of me. Always a smile and a story. If I remember correctly, he contacted family in Sicily when one of our teachers was going to visit there in the summer, so they could perhaps meet up. Since he and Josie live a couple of houses from our daughter, I was able to chat with him no and then after I retired. I last chatted with him when he (and my Dad) were at St. Mary's Health Care Center. A great guy, he made the world a better place.

My deepest sympathies to Jack's family. He was truly a ray of sunshine. Always smiling, kind, and positive about the day. Just crossing his path in the halls of Memorial High School would brighten my day. He even shared the seeds for his flowers that we planted in the courtyard at Memorial. He will be missed and remembered fondly. He was an angel among us.

My deepest sympathies to Jacks family. I met Josie at Noel Manor when I worked there and she would go and see her dear husband all the time at St. Mary's Care center. She always spoke so highly of him, I wish I could have met him. Josie was always a delight, my thoughts are with Josie and her family at this sad time❤️

Our family met Jack when our eldest child, Andrew, had the great blessing of joining the family of children whom Josie cared for. Our infant daughter Katie joined him soon after. Jack was always a ray of positivity, regardless of what circumstances at hand may be. The photo is exactly how I remember him, always smiling and cheerful; making the best of any situation. His careful attention to his beautiful garden was unmatched, as was his love for his family. He always had a warm greeting for everyone coming and going. His memory will indeed be a blessing for all who had the good fortune to know him.

Our family had the greatest of fortunes when looking for day care for our daughter Jocelyn in 1981 Josie and Jack entered our lives. They couldn't have been a more loving and caring couple. Dropping off Jocelyn and then four years later in addition our son Andrew, we were always greeted with the warmest of smiles. And pick up was unfailingly delightful as we heard about everyone's day. In the summer that almost always included walking to the back yard so Jack could give a tour of his vegetable garden which he tended with such care. And fresh pears off Jack's pear tree our kids have never forgotten. Particularly not to be forgotten was Jack's pride in keeping his precious fig tree alive through winter after winter although inevitably disappointed with the lack of figs - but being Jack treating that outcome like he did with all things with the best of joyous spirits. Thank you, Jack, for having spread sunshine on our family during the early years of our children's lives, and left us all a lifetime of happy memories.

We have the land next to Jack's on 4th Avenue. Always enjoyed the hunting seasons where our groups would get together to talk over the days hunt. Jack was a great guy and he really loved the land. Nick Martin

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of the kindness man I knew. I took care of Jack at St Marys from the day he arrived until I left in 2023. Jack always greeted me every morning with a huge smile on his face. He would say "Good Morning Amy. How are you today?" When my mom was sick and in her final days he always asked about her and gave me comforting words to help me though my day. I will never forget the day I was singing and dancing around the dining room serving lunch and he stops me and says "Amy, DO NOT QUIT YOUR DAY JOB." Oh everyone had a good laugh that day and I still tell others about that day. The day I told him and Josie I was leaving they both hugged me and we all cried together. I will always remember not only Jack but Josie and their wonderful children, grandchildren we would chat with during covid via facetime. May peace find you in your time of need. Amy J former CNA at SMCC