John "Jack" Andrew Guarnieri

John “Jack” Andrew Guarnieri, 66, of Pepperell, Massachusetts, passed away at home peacefully on the morning of September 14th surrounded by his family.

Jack was born on September 16, 1958 to Giovanni “John” and Alice Guarnieri in Newton, Massachusetts. He joined sisters Brenda and Janice, and their family later grew with his younger brother, Tommy.

Jack was a proud Union member and construction Foreman for many years. If you ask anyone that knew Jack, he was the hardest worker they have ever known. His unmatched work ethic and dedication reflected in everything he tackled in life; from work to sports, to his marriage and raising a family.

A graduate of Lawrence Academy in Groton, he excelled in soccer, hockey, and baseball. He went on to play hockey for the Framingham State University Rams and Elmira College Soaring Eagles. It was at Elmira College where he met his future wife, Lorri. Jack and Lorri were married on November 4, 1984, and grew their family with the additions of John, Noelle, and Chapel.

Jack was a hockey coach for the Demons Youth Hockey Organization, where he proudly coached his son’s team to several championships.

Throughout the years, he enjoyed watching his children compete in hockey, lacrosse, cross country, soccer, and basketball, and his children were proud to say that they followed in their Dad’s footsteps and all went on to compete at the collegiate level.

Jack loved watching all sports, but was a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, and the New England Patriots.

Jack loved spending time in his yard and garden, proudly claiming that only an Italian could properly grow tomatoes. When he wasn’t tending to his vegetables, you could often find him spending time with his family at the beach, or with his beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews at the family farm in New York. He was a parishioner of Our Lady of Grace Parish, and like any born-and-raised New Englander, always reveled in a good Dunkin’ run. But most of all, he loved watching his children and grandchildren grow up. They will miss their Dad and Grandpa Jack more than words can say.

Loyalty to family and friends was paramount to Jack; if he had your back, he had it forever. He believed in finding the good in people, and he lived as the epitome of “come as you are.” He had a quick wit and was the first one to say what everyone else was thinking. His humor, honesty, and genuine nature was refreshing to anyone who had the privilege of crossing paths with him. His warrior heart will live on in all who knew him. He faced many medical obstacles in his life, but remained a fighter until the very end; always defying the odds, our “Miracle Jack.”

Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years Lorri Guarnieri (Lewis), his three children, John Guarnieri, Noelle Kunkel and her husband John, and Chapel Guarnieri, his two granddaughters Adeline and Roselind Kunkel, and his older sister Janice Guarnieri.

Jack is predeceased by his parents, Giovanni “John” and Alice Guarnieri, his older sister Brenda Banks, and his younger brother Tommy Guarnieri.

Calling hours will be at McGaffigan Funeral Home, 37 Main St., (Rte. 113)  Pepperell, MA on Thursday, September 18th from 6 - 8pm. Jack's Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Grace worshiping at St. Joseph Church, 28 Tarbell St., Pepperell, MA on Friday, September 19th at 10 am. Burial will follow at a later date at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Rexville, NY.

Jack volunteered for PACH Outreach for a number of years, a non-profit organization which serves the communities of Pepperell and Dunstable. In lieu of flowers, the Guarnieri family is requesting charitable donations be made in Jack’s name to PACH Outreach.