Jesse M. Lanier Sr.

Jesse Melvin Lanier, Sr. was born on May 2, 1941, in Bath, North Carolina. He passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on January 17, 2026, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, after a steadfast battle with illness.

Jesse was the seventh of eight siblings born to Daniel Sr. and Beather (Ormand) Lanier. He spent his early childhood on the family farm in Bath, where growing up in a close-knit rural community provided him with unique experiences. One such experience was serving as the school bus driver while he was still a student himself, an opportunity based more on his height and ability to reach the pedals than his age.

In the 1950s, the Lanier family relocated to New Haven, Connecticut. There, Jesse attended James Hillhouse High School and graduated in 1959, the school's centennial year. Following graduation, he went to work alongside his father, Daniel Sr., engaging in a range of entrepreneurial endeavors - from operating a moving company to hauling crushed stone, gravel, and sand used in the construction of Interstate 91 in Connecticut.

After several years of working with his father, Jesse embarked on a new path by enrolling at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University. During his time at A&T, he became a member of several organizations, including Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. The year 1968 proved momentous for Jesse. While home on a break from college, he met Barbara Jean Moss. After graduating from A&T later that year, he returned to New Haven, where he and Barbara were married on November 2, 1968.

Jesse and Barbara shared 53 years of marriage, until Barbara's passing in January of 2022. Together, they raised three children: Audrey, Jesse Jr., and Lucinda.

Professionally, Jesse began his career at the Southern New England Telephone Company in North Haven, Connecticut, while also building his own business as a car broker. In time, he stepped away from the security of the familiar to strike out on his own.

In 1983, Jesse and Barbara became one of the first five Black franchisees in the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) system nationally, opening their first restaurant in Springfield, Massachusetts. They went on to grow their company, Springfield Food Systems, Inc., to seven KFC restaurants across Western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut over a span of twenty-eight years.

A hands-on business owner, Jesse earned a strong reputation for civic involvement. His commitment to the community included service on the board of directors of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, the board of directors of the Urban League of Springfield, and as a trustee of Springfield's New Leadership Charter School. His connection to the Springfield community further expanded through his membership in Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (The Boulé) and his involvement with The Brethren Community Foundation, Inc.

Jesse and Barbara were also generous philanthropic contributors to numerous community projects, programs, and events. Among these was their sponsorship of the Spirit of Springfield's Kwanzaa lighting display at Bright Nights in Springfield's Forest Park. In recognition of their impact, the African Hall Subcommittee of the Springfield Museums awarded them its thirteenth annual Ubora Award. They were also honored at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center's seventh annual business partnership breakfast.

Jesse's faith was expressed through active service at St. John's Congregational Church, where he served as a trustee, on the pastoral search committee, and on the committee that oversaw construction of the new worship facility. His faith shaped his values and informed his commitment to community and service.

Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel Sr. and Beather Lanier; his siblings, Daniel Jr., Thomas Sr., Doris, and Barbara; and his daughter, Audrey. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Jesse Jr. and Ellyn; his daughter, Lucinda; four grandchildren, Christian, Elyse, Jesse III, and Alexis; his brothers and sister, Jack (Becky), Lillian, and Ron (Marge); and his nephew, more brother than nephew, Garrie (LaVonne). He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and a wide circle of family and friends who mourn his passing deeply.

A celebration of Jesse's life will be held Monday, February 16, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John's Congregational Church, 45 Hancock Street, Springfield, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Urban League of Springfield (MA) or the North Carolina A&T State University General Scholarship Fund, organizations that meant so much to him.