Concord - John (Jack) J. Mollica, 89, passed away March 25 after a period of declining health. Jack was a wonderful husband, dad, grandpa, and friend who was loved by all. Jack was a Christmas surprise, born on December 24, 1932 in Waltham, MA, to Angelo and Josephine Mollica.

Thanks to Nancy, his wife of 61 years, Jack persevered through several health issues and was able to remain at home until the final few weeks of his life.

Jack served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy and was stationed aboard the USS Pawcatuck and USS Waccamaw during the Korean War.

Jack was a proud and dedicated educator. He graduated with a BA degree in Education from Bridgewater State College and received his Masters in Education from Rivier College. Jack was an educator for 35 years in the Concord School District both as teacher and as a principal of Eastman School and Garrison School. Jack touched many lives throughout his career, and countless students have benefited from both his kindness and wisdom.

Jack was a devote Catholic and was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. He served as a Eucharistic Minister, a Christian Servant, and a volunteer at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church for many years. Jack was also a proud member of the ROGL social club.

Jack was a kind, compassionate, loving soul who always put his family first. He loved the outdoors, nature, and all animals. Jack was happiest when fishing or on his knees gardening. He always stated that Nancy was his "greatest" catch and when pulling weeds he thought that they were "just flowers in the wrong place". Jack was an avid Boston sports fan, with a special love for the Boston Red Sox.

Jack was predeceased by his parents, Angelo and Josephine Mollica, and sisters Carolyn, Geraldine, and Dolores.

Jack leaves behind Nancy, his wife of 61 years, his "3 Lads", son John J. Mollica Jr and wife Amy, of Boca Raton, FL; son, Mark Mollica of Concord, NH and his partner Jared West of Champlain, NY; and son, Michael Mollica and wife Michelle of Pembroke, MA. He is also survived by five grandchildren, John J. Mollica III, Katherine Mollica, and Joseph Mollica of Boca Raton, FL; Kyle Mollica of Charleston, SC; and Kayla Mollica of Pembroke, MA.

Private services will be held with full military honors at the N.H. State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, N.H. and a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jack's name to: The Friendly Kitchen, PO Box 373, Concord, NH 03302.