Retired Boston Police Detective John J. "Jack" Pierce, a true Townie of Charlestown and Braintree, entered into eternal life on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital. He was 82 years of age.
Jack was born in Boston on January 18, 1942, a son of the late retired Boston Firefighter Martin E. "Marty" Pierce and Mary E. (Geswell) Pierce. He grew up in Charlestown where he attended St. Catherine's Parochial School and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1959. Jack furthered his education by attending Bunker Hill Community College, Providence College, and receiving a Bachelor's Degree from Curry College.
Jack was appointed to the Boston Police Department on July 9, 1969 and was assigned to District 4 in the Back Bay as a Patrolman at the beginning of his career. He was later appointed by Suffolk County District Attorney Newman Flanagan to work in his office as a Detective for many years. Jack also worked as a Detective in Area A-1 for several years and his last assignment was with the Transportation Department as a Detective. Jack retired from the Boston Police Department as Detective on July 1, 2003 following 34 years of dedicated service to the City of Boston. He set an example for his family by exemplifying the best of what is means to be a Townie: always being there for people and giving his time to others. He enjoyed walking Castle Island and doing Jumble Puzzles in the Boston Herald. He was devoted to his family and loved spending time with his grandchildren and attending all of their sporting events. Jack was a founding member and Past President of the Bunker Hill Associates, former Grand Knight of the Bunker Hill Council #62 Knights of Columbus, Past President of the Old Charlestown Schoolboys Association, member of the Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society, and frequent volunteer at Harvest on Vine in Charlestown.
Jack is the beloved husband of the late Jacqueline J. (Finnerty) Pierce. He is the devoted father of Lisa Mangone and her husband Joseph and Michelle Pierce and her partner Kathleen Ingersoll. He is the loving Papa to Joseph, Jack and Ella. He is the dear brother of retired Boston Fire Department Commissioner Martin E. "Marty" Pierce Jr. and his wife Ellen. He is the loving uncle to Jennifer Pierce, Massport Firefighter/EMT Martin E. "Marty" Pierce III and his wife Nicole, Elizabeth Wosny and her husband Boston Police Sergeant Matthew, and great-uncle to Sarah, Caroline, Mat, Maria, Marty IV, and Nolan. He is the dear 17-year companion of Elaine "Sissy" Connolly and loved by the Connolly and Sodergren families.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Jack's Funeral on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 9 A.M. from The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown followed by his Funeral Mass in St. Francis De Sales Church, 313 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown at 10 A.M. His burial will follow at Blue Hills Cemetery in Braintree. His visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, from 3 P.M. to 7 P.M. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Jack's name to:
Alzheimer's Association MA/NH Chapter
320 Nevada St, Suite 201
Newton, MA 02460