Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on June 7, 1944, he was the son of the late John J. Riordan and Nancy (Hassett) Riordan. Jack was a man of quiet strength, a proud veteran, and a devoted family man known for his warmth and great sense of humor.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Janice (Gardner) Riordan; his children, Kristen (Riordan) Long and her husband William Long, Matthew Riordan, and Patrick Riordan and his wife Kendra (Staley) Riordan. Jack was also a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Cameron Riordan, Cassandra Riordan, Colin Riordan, Mason Long, Nathan Long, Thomas Riordan, and Sean Riordan.
Jack grew up in Worcester, where he developed a lifelong pride in his Irish heritage. A fiercely patriotic American, he honorably served his country during the Vietnam War. His career with the Raytheon Company later took him around the world, including ten years working on Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. During that time, he was deeply admired by the local Marshallese community for his kindness and respect. While there, he also became the proud honorary grandfather, “Jimma,” to Taylor King, now of Ottumwa, Iowa.
In retirement, Jack settled in Fuquay, North Carolina. He enjoyed warm Carolina days tending to his garden and relaxing on his back porch with his cat, Finnegan, curled up on his lap. Jack was an avid reader, writer, historian, and an artist at heart. He loved Boston sports teams, golf, animals, and sharing a good joke.
He is survived by his brother, William Riordan and his wife Maureen; his sister-in-law, Mary (Paul) Riordan; and his nephews Kevin Riordan and Thomas Riordan. He was predeceased by his brothers Robert and Paul, and by his nephew Garrett Riordan. The entire Gardner family also proudly embraced Jack as a lifelong brother, son, and uncle.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 10, from 9:30–10:30 a.m. at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston, 854 Washington Street. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Mary’s Church in Holliston. Burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Duke Cancer Center. Additional details will be announced.
