John J. Pecci, 91, a native and longtime resident of Haverhill, died Feb. 13, at Country Center for Health and Rehabilitation, Newburyport.
Born June 11, 1924 in Haverhill, son of the late Antonio and Angelina (Parino) Pecci, he graduated from the Haverhill Trade School with the class of 1942. Pecci served in the United States Army Air Corp during World War II in the China Burma Theatre of Operation and was honorably discharged with the rank of staff sergeant. Pecci was employed as a service technician for Haverhill Gas Company for 44 years until his retirement. He was a former member of the AmVets Post 147 and the Haverhill Lodge of Elks for many years. He enjoyed playing the Massachusetts State Lottery and trying his luck at scratch tickets. He also enjoyed trips to Foxwoods, and taking day trips, going out to dinner and celebrating Christmas with his family.
He was predeceased by his wife, Harriette (Cole) Pecci in 2008, and is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Anthony D. and Sharon Pecci of Haverhill; a daughter and son-in-law, Joanne J. and Ralph “Dave” Anderson of Plaistow, N.H.; two grandchildren, Brian C. Pecci and his wife Alexandra of Plaistow, N.H.; and Sara E. (Pecci) Maage and her husband Christopher of Maple Grove, Minnesota;, three great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Estelle Matthew.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Pecci’s Life Celebration on Wednesday, Feb. 17, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Berube-Comeau Funeral Home, 47 Broadway, Haverhill. His funeral service will take place Thursday at 11 a.m., in the funeral home, followed by the rendering of Military Honors. Memorial donations may be made to Country Center for Health and Rehabilitation, 180 Low Street, Newburyport, MA 01950 or to Children’s Hospital, 401 Park Drive, Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215.