John Edward Piasecki, age 80, passed away peacefully in his Walpole, Massachusetts home on Tuesday June 30, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on February 20, 1940, he was the son of the late Stephen and Margaret (Fitzgibbons) Piasecki. As a proud Walpole Townie, Jack attended the Old Stone School before going on to attend Walpole High School, where he was a member of the football team. Following his high school graduation in 1957, he began taking courses at the New England School of Barbering, earning his Master Barber's License in 1958. Jack began his career working alongside his father and grandfather at the Sands Barber Shop in Walpole. Jack enlisted in the United States Navy, proudly serving his country in her time of need. He was stationed with submariners aboard the USS John Marshall, SSBN-611, spending time in Groton Connecticut and Holy Loch, Scotland.
While still on active duty with the Navy, Jack returned to his hometown on leave, where he married his beloved wife, Phyllis E. Smith, on July 15, 1962 in Blessed Sacrament Church. He returned to his post in Groton, where he was honorably discharged in December of 1965. Upon his discharge, Jack returned to Walpole and his family's barber shop, however in the late 1960s, he changed careers, taking a part-time position with Spear's Hardware, working in the small engine repair department. The position quickly became full time, but shortly thereafter, Jack was appointed to the Walpole Police Department and returned to working part-time at Spears. Jack attended the Brockton Police Academy and was sworn in as a Walpole Police Officer in 1971, working on the midnight to 8 AM shift. In addition to protecting his community, Jack was dedicated to protecting his fellow officers, serving as a Mass Cop Union Representative for several years. His interest in small engines did not end with his appointment to the police department, as in 1973, he opened his own shop, West Power Equipment, which opened up opportunities to attend various engine repair classes offered by manufacturers. While his two jobs kept him busy, Jack was still able to take a part-time position with Paul's Gulf Station in Walpole Center. Jack had a long and honorable career with the Walpole Police Department, his community for 28 years prior to his retirement in 1999. In his retirement, as a man who enjoyed keeping busy, Jack returned to his roots, taking a position with Musto's Barber Shop in Walpole, retiring in 2015.
Jack's involvement in his community did not end with his many careers, he was a long time member of the Walpole Knights of Columbus, Council 1319; the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) in Norwood; and as a proud Navy Veteran, the Walpole VFW Post 5188.
Throughout his life, Jack loved to travel. Two of his absolute favorite destinations were Saint Martin and Hawaii, both of which he visited many times. In addition, he and Phyllis enjoyed time spent in England, Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. Jack's favorite form of travel was aboard a cruise ship and his travel experience culminated when he and Phyllis celebrated their 50th Anniversary cruising around the Hawaiian Islands. While his go to was typically warm tropical climates, Jack did make the occasional exception to go snowmobiling with his friends from the police department.
Back at home, Jack enjoyed spending time in his wood shop, crafting and repairing many items over the years. He also enjoyed collecting coins, die cast cars, and belt buckles. Most of all, Jack loved being at home surrounded by his family and his cat KoKo.
Beloved husband of Phyllis E. (Smith) Piasecki. Loving father of Barbara Jean Scully and her husband, Christopher, of Walpole and John Stephen Piasecki of Walpole. Cherished grandfather of Ashleigh Scully and Brianna Scully both of Walpole, MA. Brother of Karen Carreiro of Franklin, New Jersey and the late Robert Piasecki and his surviving wife, Teri, of Delaware.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for Jack's Life Celebration on Sunday, July 12, 2020 from 2 to 6 PM and Monday, July 13, 2020 from 9 to 9:30 AM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole on Monday, July 13, 2020 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in Knollwood Memorial Park in Canton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either: Home Instead, 12 Carnegie Row, Norwood, MA 02062 or Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care, 1 Edgewater Drive, Norwood, MA 02062.
