John D. Riordan

John D. Riordan, Navy Veteran, Attorney at Law, and Plymouth County Register of Deeds, resident of Dennis

John 'Jack' D. Riordan, 86, of Dennis, MA, formerly of Abington and Nokomis, FL, passed away on Saturday, April 8th surrounded by his loved ones. He was the devoted husband of Sue M. DiStefano Riordan, the loving father of Mark Riordan and his wife Ann of Hanover, Sue Ann Hurley and her husband Jack of Kingston, Jeanne Riordan of Dennis, Jack Riordan and his wife Linda of Kingston, Debbie Wright and her husband RD of Roanoke, VA, Dan Riordan and his fiance Nancy Gervasi of Rockland, and Lacy Atkins of Nashville, TN. He was predeceased by his cherished daughter Cathy Riordan of San Francisco, CA, and treasured daughter-in-law, Lynda (Webb) Riordan. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren he adored, 2 newborn great-grandchildren, sister in law June Martin and many nieces, nephews and friends. Jack was the son of the late Michael Riordan and Kathleen (Quill) Riordan and was also preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Domingos and Kathleen Lydon, and his brother Brendon Riordan.

Jack was born March 18, 1931, in Brockton where he was raised and educated. He graduated from Brockton High in 1949 where he excelled academically and athletically, and was later inducted into the BHS Hall of Fame. Jack was a 1953 graduate of Fordham University, NY, which he attended for 4 years on a football scholarship. Four days after graduating he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Sue M. DiStefano. He then attended Officer's Candidate School in Newport, RI, before entering the US Navy, where he served until January of 1957, completing his service with the rank of Second Lieutenant. Jack served as an English teacher and football/baseball coach at both Rockland and Brockton High Schools through 1966, and attended Bridgewater State College obtaining his Master of Education degree. With 7 children at home Jack obtained his law degree from Suffolk University and conducted his law business in Brockton until 1976, when he was elected to the office of Plymouth County Register of Deeds.

Jack and Sue raised their family in Abington where they were members of St. Bridget's Parish, and he served on the Zoning Board of Appeals and Democratic Town Committee. Jack also served on the Board of Directors of Brockton Community and Family Resources for many years. In addition, he ardently supported his wife Sue's business, La Femmina Modeling School and Agency, attending the many events for years. Upon retirement Jack and Sue spent many years at their homes in Dennis and Florida where Jack enjoyed reading, gardening, and spending time with friends and family, especially his grandchildren to whom he is known as "Barpie". Always passionate about politics, he taught many around him the importance of staying abreast of current events and world issues. He and Sue were also avid travelers, spending many vacations with dear friends. Jack's warmth, sense of humor, kind heart, and brilliant mind will be missed by his family and friends. The impact he had on those fortunate enough to have known him will long continue.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Bridget's Church in Abington
Tuesday, April 18th at 9:00 am, followed by a celebration of Jack's life at Emerald Hall, 30 Central Street, Abington. A private burial service will take place on Wednesday, April 19th at the Massachusetts National Cemetery for Veterans in Bourne.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Brockton Family and Community Resources, www.fcr-ma.org.