John B. Riordan, 81, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on June 7, 1944, he was the son of the late John J. Riordan and Nancy (Hassett) Riordan. Jack was a man of quiet strength, a proud veteran, and a devoted family man with a great sense of humor. He is survived by his beloved wife, Janice (Gardner) Riordan; his children, Kristen (Riordan) Long and her husband, William Long, Matthew Riordan, and Patrick Riordan, and his wife, Kendra (Staley) Riordan. He was also a proud grandfather to his seven grandchildren: Cameron Riordan, Cassandra Riordan, Colin Riordan, Mason Long, Nathan Long, Thomas Riordan, and Sean Riordan.
Jack grew up in Worcester, where he developed a lifelong pride for his Irish heritage. He was a fiercely patriotic American who honorably served his country during the Vietnam War. His career with Raytheon Company later took him across the globe, including ten years working on Kwajalein Atoll. During his time there, he was deeply adored and cherished by the local Marshallese people for his kindness and respect. It was here that he also became the proud honorary grandfather, “Jimma,” to Taylor King, currently of Ottumwa, IA.
In retirement, Jack settled in Fuquay, North Carolina. He loved those warm Carolina days working in his garden and sitting on his back porch with his cat Finnegan curled up on his lap. Jack was also an avid reader, writer, historian, and an artist at heart. He loved his Boston sports teams, golf, animals, and a good joke.
He is survived by his brother William Riordan and his wife, Maureen; his sister-in-law, Mary (Paul) Riordan, as well as nephews Kevin Riordan and Thomas Riordan. He is predeceased by his brothers, Robert and Paul, and nephew, Garrett Riordan. In addition, the entire Gardner family proudly embraced and loved Jack as a lifelong brother, son, and uncle.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 10th, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston, 854 Washington St. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Mary’s Church of Holliston. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Duke Cancer Center. Specific details will follow.
