Published in the October 7, 2016 edition.
MELROSE – John A. (Jack) Mercer Sr., 73, of Melrose died at Massachusetts General Hospital on Sept. 29.
Jack was born in Cambridge on June 20, 1943 and was raised in Revere. He attended Immaculate Conception High School before obtaining his bachelor’s degree from Saint Anselm College.
Jack was a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He retired in 1996 after 27 years of distinguished service. He began his career in the Milwaukee and Cleveland FBI Field Offices. In 1976 he transferred to the Boston FBI Office and moved his family to Melrose.
Jack passed on many opportunities for promotion so that his three sons could be raised in Melrose.
Jack was a devoted husband, father and Pa who loved his family and was cherished by all of them.
Jack was a passionate Melrose High School football supporter and fan. Through his three sons’ high school years Jack was a fixture at the top of the Melrose High School bleachers supporting Melrose football. He later switched to the bleachers at Boston University to watch all three boys play football at BU. He never missed a game. He then returned to the Melrose bleachers years later to watch three of his grandsons play football for Melrose High.
Jack enjoyed trips with his wife Beverly of 50 years to Florida and Aruba. Jack was a skilled carpenter who was always working on home improvement projects in Melrose and at the cottage in New Hampshire.
He will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Jack was the beloved husband of Beverly J. (Hurst) Mercer for 50 years. He was the loving father of John A. Mercer Jr. and his wife Julie, James M. Mercer and his wife Megan, all of Melrose, and Joseph E. Mercer and his wife Kati of Connecticut. He was the cherished grandfather of Eric, Kevin, Zack, Brian, Jill, Grace, Collin, Jenna and Jeremy. He was the caring brother of Melvin Mercer Jr. and his wife Judy of Florida.
A funeral Mass was held at St. Mary Church, Herbert Street, Melrose, on Tuesday, Oct. 4, at 10 a.m.
Burial in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Friends of Melrose Football, c/o Chris McCormack, 58 Worth St., Melrose MA 02176.
To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com.
