1944 - 2026
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 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. He 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.
Following his military service, Jack built a career with Raytheon Company, a role that took him across the globe, including ten years working on Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. During his time there, he was deeply admired by the local Marshallese community for his kindness and respect. It was also there that he became the proud honorary grandfather, affectionately known as “Jimma,” to Taylor King of Ottumwa, Iowa.
In retirement, Jack settled in Fuquay, North Carolina, where he enjoyed warm days working in his garden and relaxing on the back porch with his cat, Finnegan, often curled up on his lap. He was an avid reader, writer, historian, and an artist at heart. Jack loved Boston sports teams, golf, animals, and sharing a good joke.
In addition to his immediate family, 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 to 10:30 a.m. at 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 in Jack’s memory may be made to the Duke Cancer Institute, 300 W. Morgan Street, Suite 1200, Durham, NC 27701. Online gifts may be made to the Jack Riordan DCI Memorial Fund.
