John J. Piccolo

Visitation Monday December 9, 2024 4:00PM - 8:00PM
Visitation Tuesday December 10, 2024 2:00PM - 4:00PM & 7:00PM - 9:00PM
Funeral Mass Wednesday December 11, 2024 10:00AM St. Ignatius Martyr R.C. Church
Interment Calverton National Cemetery
John J. (Jack) Piccolo of Long Beach, New York died on December 3, 2024 in his 77th year. He is survived by his beloved wife Ann Farrelly Piccolo; his cherished daughter MaryAnne Piccolo and her husband Rob Buchwald; siblings Mary Jo Piccolo and Beth Taneyhill; cousins Ed & Maggie Murphy, Mariette Murphy, MD, Paul & Linda Murphy, Regina & Paul Mirabella and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Francis X., Philip and his wife Sally Piccolo.
Jack was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York by his parents, Felix & Mary Dale Piccolo. He went on to become a Vietnam War veteran serving with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), commonly known as the Green Berets, one of the most decorated groups of the United States military. In combat, Jack fought alongside the Montagnards, the allied indigenous people of Vietnam, as part of the Civilian Irregular Defense Group. Living amongst locals in the mountains and jungles of a war-torn country, he discovered his lifelong commitment to public safety.
Upon returning home from the war, Jack worked at JFK airport as a cargo agent for Aer Lingus, where he met the love of his life, Ann. She encouraged Jack to pursue a career in Law Enforcement which became his passion and focus for over 40 years. Jack led a varied and extraordinary professional life including stints as United States Park Police Identification Technician and Armorer to Homeland Security.
On September 11th 2001 he was a first responder at the World Trade Center, becoming an integral part of the U.S. Congress Crime Scene Investigation team as a photographer. One month later when American Airlines Flight 587 crashed into the neighborhood of Bell Harbor NY, Jack was the second on the scene, saving people from their burning homes. This act of extreme heroism garnered him a Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association National Life Saving Award and National Bravery Award.
While always career driven, Jack's favorite job was being a loving father and husband. Together with Ann, they gave birth to their daughter MaryAnne who brought much joy to their lives. The Piccolos traveled the world together, enjoying many once-in-a-lifetime experiences; whether they found themselves exploring Ireland or taking in a Broadway show, Jack made sure each moment was unique and special, just like he was. He will be deeply and profoundly missed by those who knew him, but his enduring spirit will continue to live in our hearts.
The family will receive friends (Monday, Dec. 9th from 4-8pm, Tuesday Dec. 10th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm) at the Christopher T. Jordan Funeral Home, Inc. 302 Long Beach Road, Island Park, NY. Funeral Mass (Wednesday, Dec. 11th at 10am) at St. Ignatius Martyr Parish, 721 West Broadway, Long Beach, NY 11561.