Jack was the beloved husband of Mary Jo (Kile) for 39 years. Loving father of Michael (Jenny) Saad and Brian (Heather) Saad. Proud grandfather of Allison, Laura, Meredith, Adrian, Henry, and Liam. Loving son of the late Catherine and Gioachino Cappucci. Dear brother of four sisters survived by Angelina Wilson, Mary (late), Loretta (late) and Grace (late). Brother-in-law to his dear Janie. Jack is survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and others who delighted in the shenanigans of “Uncle Jack.”
Jack was born in Elmira, New York to Italian immigrant parents. He was a standout basketball player in high school and served his country with honor in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. After finishing his service, Jack worked at Honeywell Corp. for more than 40 years.
With Honeywell, Jack transferred from Elmira to Michigan and settled in Lake Orion to raise his family. For the last 30 years, Jack and Mary Jo have called the Phoenix area home.
Jack was a dedicated mathematician, historian, and had a lifelong passion for learning. Even in retirement, Jack spent endless hours studying the theories of general and special relativity, domestic and global history, law, and anything else someone encouraged him to learn about. He asked ‘why’ with a sincere desire to understand the mysteries of the universe. And, if you asked him “why” – you could be there a while. And, if you wanted to “stir the pot” and debate with him on “why” – well, see you tomorrow.
It wasn’t all “work hard” for Jack. He was a dedicated golfer, avid grill chef, jokester, and epic storyteller. He loved watching the ponies, making cocktails, playing cards, and singing Sinatra. He celebrated like a kid during the graduation parties, sang at the family weddings, stayed up late, and was never far from a good time. Jack’s booming laugh, welcoming demeanor, limitless energy, and megawatt smile made his joy for life contagious.
At his core, Jack was a loyal goombah and devoted family man. His “Cabbage” was the absolute love of his life. Generations of kids have crawled into Jack’s arms and relaxed with him in his recliner. He had close friendships spanning decades. Jack was exceedingly gentle, kind, generous, resolute, and encouraging. A model son, brother, husband, father, friend, uncle, and papa.
Jack’s legacy is one of love, commitment to family, integrity, and a lasting reminder that life should be thoroughly enjoyed with friends and loved ones.
He lived a life that’s full
He traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this,
Jack did it his way.
A Funeral Mass for Jack will be held Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 16223 South 48th Street, Phoenix, Arizona.
Burial or interment will take place on July 31st at 1:00 PM at Great Lakes National Veterans cemetery in Holly, Michigan.
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