John A Jacques

John A Jacques, Sr. a longtime resident of the Quinsigamond Village section of Worcester passed away peacefully in his sleep Wednesday, November 28, 2018.

John was born and raised in Millbury, son of Edward Jacques Jr and Anna (Renaud) Jacques.  He graduated from Millbury High School and attended Wentworth Institute in Boston.  In 1957, John married the “love of his life” Barbara A. Rafferty, and spent the next fifty-five years with his wife and family until Barbara passed away in February of 2013. John continued to reside in the family home where he enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren.  John worked as a machinist at West Brookfield Machine for 20 plus years.  He then became a co-owner, operator of the Worcester Precision Machine Inc, where he guided the company for over the next 20 years before retiring.  He was also co-owner along with two of his closest brothers-in-law; Robert Erricola and Arthur Rafferty at YD Liquor store on Grafton street.  After retirement, John worked part-time as a route driver for the Van Pool Transportation Company. 

John is survived by his three children, Sandra A. Pace of West Boylston and her companion Jim McTigue of Shrewsbury, John A Jacques, Jr. of San Diego, California, and Michelle Cantwell and her husband Robert of Worcester;  his two brothers, Robert Jacques of Manchaug and Edward Jacques, Jr. in North Carolina; three sisters, Eileen Morin of Millbury, Mary Katherine Butcher in Texas and Susan Kallio in Maine;  six grandchildren, Monique, Melanie, Meghan and Robert Cantwell, Jr., Rachael and Mikey Pace; many nieces, nephews and extended family members.  Besides his parents and wife, John was predeceased by two sisters, Carol Dame and Annmarie Chase and his best friend and pet dog, Molly.   

John was a founding member, lector and men’s club participant of St Catherine of Sweden Church.  A present member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church.  John was an avid golfer who loved playing on any course he could.  He enjoyed cribbage, darts, billiards, reading and walking his dog Molly.

Friends and family are invited to say goodbye to John during calling hours, Sunday, December 2^nd from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  His funeral will be held Monday morning, December 3^rd from the funeral home starting at 9: 15 am, with a procession to Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 600 Cambridge Street, where his Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am.  Burial will follow in St John Cemetery.