John H. "Jack" Pickles' Obituary
John H. “Jack” Pickles, 82, of Methuen passed away on Thursday, October 31, 2019 at the High Pointe House in Haverhill surrounded by his devoted family. Born in Methuen on August 14, 1937 to the late Herbert and Katherine (Pekala) Pickles, he graduated from Searles High School with the Class of 1955. After high school, Jack served honorably in the United States Navy. After serving his country, Jack worked for many years as an engineer for GTE in Needham until his retirement. He began a second career working at Methuen High School in the sports department for many years.
Jack, a devout Boston sports fan, especially the Patriots, enjoyed many outdoor activities such as golf at the Merrimack Valley Country Club, gardening, woodworking and skiing. He also loved spending time at Old Orchard Beach and was a regular at the Powderhorn Family Campground for many years. With his outgoing personality and sense of humor, Jack made quick friends and many he considered family. He loved his Pomeranian pup, Winston, who was always by his side.
Jack is survived by his wife of 18 years, Gail (Barnes) Pickles of Methuen and his children; his daughter Joanne (Pickles) Curley and her husband J. Scott of Methuen, his son John D. Pickles and his wife Michelle of Methuen, his daughter Renee Morris and her husband Michael of Florida, his daughter Kathy Romel of Salem,NH, his son John DeSantis and his wife Amy of Methuen, and his son Kevin DeSantis and his wife Leslie of South Berwick, ME. He is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Jack is also survived by his sister Gail Whitehouse and her husband Richard of Newton, NH. In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by sister, Carol Brown, her husband, Victor, and also his sister Ellen Whitehouse.
Visitation for Jack will be held on Monday, November 4, 2019 4 – 8 PM at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen. Friends and family are cordially invited to attend. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 11 AM at St. Lucy’s Parish, 254 Merrimack Street, Methuen. Interment to follow at Elmwood Cemetery, 130 N. Lowell Street, Methuen. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jack’s memory to either the MSPCA at Nevins Farms, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844 or to the Methuen Athletic Improvement Committee, P.O. Box 2229, Methuen, MA 01844. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is proud to serve the Pickles family.
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