John A. Pesente
John A. Pesente
It is with completely broken hearts that we share that John A. Pesente, 79 years young, passed away at home on July 5, 2026, after a long, brave and valiant nine-month fight against adenoid cystic carcinoma. He gave everything he had to that battle, and he did it with strength, humor and stubborn determination — just like he lived his life.
John was born on November 20, 1946, in Danbury, Connecticut, to the late Doris and John Pesente. He attended Boston University, graduating Cum Laude in government in 1969. He taught history for a few years, but anyone who knew John knows he was happiest when he was around people, food and a little chaos — so becoming a cook at Kelly’s Cork N’ Bull in South Boston was a perfect fit. He loved that job.
It was there that he met Mary Pacino, the waitress who would become the love of his life. People said it wouldn’t last — but they proved everyone wrong. They shared 48 years together, 46 years and 11 months married, and Mary still wishes she had more time.
In 1982, John started working at Mass Electric as a lineman. After an injury, he transitioned into an engineering role, where he stayed until retiring in 2012. John was also an involved and active member of Local Union 369, Utility Workers of America, where he served as president of the union and worked as a union negotiator. He cared deeply about the people he worked with and fought hard for fairness, safety and respect on the job.
Outside of work, John poured his heart into his family. He spent many years coaching his children in local sports, always showing up, always cheering and always believing in them. He was especially involved in the teams and leagues that shaped their lives, and those memories remain some of the brightest parts of their family story.
John leaves behind his loving wife Mary; his oldest daughter, Christina M. Rowland, and her husband, Roy; his son, John, and his wife, Danielle; and his youngest daughter, Catherine Mendell, and her husband, Greg. He was predeceased by his son, OSSN James Pesente, US Navy, in 2010 — a loss he carried in his heart every day.
He is also survived by five grandchildren who lit up his world: Jade Pesente, Cameron Pesente, Cecilia Jameson, Daniel J. Jameson and Noah J. Ostiguy. They made him smile no matter what was going on, and he loved them fiercely.
John was funny, loyal, stubborn in all the best ways, and endlessly devoted to his family. He will be missed more than words can say.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project.
A Celebration of Life will be held later this summer so family and friends can come together to honor John and share stories of the incredible man he was.
It is with completely broken hearts that we share that John A. Pesente, 79 years young, passed away at home on July 5, 2026, after a long, brave and valiant nine-month fight against adenoid cystic carcinoma. He gave everything he had to that battle, and he did it with strength, humor and stubborn determination — just like he lived his life.
John was born on November 20, 1946, in Danbury, Connecticut, to the late Doris and John Pesente. He attended Boston University, graduating Cum Laude in government in 1969. He taught history for a few years, but anyone who knew John knows he was happiest when he was around people, food and a little chaos — so becoming a cook at Kelly’s Cork N’ Bull in South Boston was a perfect fit. He loved that job.
It was there that he met Mary Pacino, the waitress who would become the love of his life. People said it wouldn’t last — but they proved everyone wrong. They shared 48 years together, 46 years and 11 months married, and Mary still wishes she had more time.
In 1982, John started working at Mass Electric as a lineman. After an injury, he transitioned into an engineering role, where he stayed until retiring in 2012. John was also an involved and active member of Local Union 369, Utility Workers of America, where he served as president of the union and worked as a union negotiator. He cared deeply about the people he worked with and fought hard for fairness, safety and respect on the job.
Outside of work, John poured his heart into his family. He spent many years coaching his children in local sports, always showing up, always cheering and always believing in them. He was especially involved in the teams and leagues that shaped their lives, and those memories remain some of the brightest parts of their family story.
John leaves behind his loving wife Mary; his oldest daughter, Christina M. Rowland, and her husband, Roy; his son, John, and his wife, Danielle; and his youngest daughter, Catherine Mendell, and her husband, Greg. He was predeceased by his son, OSSN James Pesente, US Navy, in 2010 — a loss he carried in his heart every day.
He is also survived by five grandchildren who lit up his world: Jade Pesente, Cameron Pesente, Cecilia Jameson, Daniel J. Jameson and Noah J. Ostiguy. They made him smile no matter what was going on, and he loved them fiercely.
John was funny, loyal, stubborn in all the best ways, and endlessly devoted to his family. He will be missed more than words can say.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project.
A Celebration of Life will be held later this summer so family and friends can come together to honor John and share stories of the incredible man he was.