MELROSE — John A. “Jack” DeLeire, 82, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 18, in Lexington.
John was born in Revere, one of four children of the late John A. Sr. and Catherine (Finnegan) DeLeire. Raised and educated in Revere, John entered the United States Army and served his country proudly as a corporal during the Korean War.
After receiving an honorable discharge, he began his career in law enforcement for the Revere Police Department. For over 25 years, John was a police officer for the Revere Police Department, and served as police chief for several years.
John was forever proud of Revere and held the city and his friends close to his heart. He loved visiting Revere Beach, spending time near the water and going out to eat.
John met his future wife, Vivian J. Campbell, at Revere Beach, and lived in Revere for 10 years before moving to Melrose where they would raise their six children. John was happiest at home, surrounded by his family and the many neighborhood kids. He spent many hours in the back yard, planting flowers and maintaining the pool for everyone’s enjoyment. John always had an open door for friends and family and the DeLeire house became the spot for neighborhood gatherings, holidays and parties.
John was an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching the Red Sox and Patriots. He especially loved going to the track at Suffolk Downs and Wonderland to catch a race. More than betting, John just loved the thrill of watching the race and the surprise of winning.
A police officer for over 25 years, he was a loyal and genuine man. He was a straight shooter, never shy about telling you what he thought. He also loved getting dressed up and had the closet to prove it. He enjoyed vacationing in Sunny Isles, Fla. with his wife and children and was always ready for the next meal.
Above all else, John was deeply devoted to his family and cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren. His memory will live on in the hearts of his wife, six children and eight grandchildren.
He was the beloved husband of Vivian J. (Campbell) DeLeire with whom he shared over 50 years of marriage. He was the devoted father of John A. DeLeire and his wife Melissa of Medford, Mark S. DeLeire of Everett, Donald K. DeLeire and his wife Joanelle of Wakefield, Robert F. DeLeire and his wife Christine of Weymouth, Kimberley J. DeLeire and her partner Robert Scalfani of Melrose and Linda V. DeLeire and her partner Jorge Alves of Woburn. He was the dear brother of Ann Plastino and her husband Peter of Peabody and the late William and Donald DeLeire. He was the cherished Papa of Bailey, Emily, Amanda, Brendan, Andrew, Kiera, Sean and Anna. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor of John’s life at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose during visiting hours on Monday, Dec. 22 from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. Tuesday before leaving in procession to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield for his funeral Mass celebrated at 10 a.m.
Interment with military honors by the U.S. Army at Wyoming Cemetery.
For online tribute or to share a memory, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
