John A. Nucci, Jr., 83, of Chester, NH, passed away due to a sudden illness on Saturday, January 3, 2026. He was born on April 11, 1942 in Pittsburgh, PA, son of the late John Nucci, Sr. and Pasqualina (Mastriani) Nucci. John graduated from St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA with a bachelors in English and a minor in Theology. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Jane.
John was a devoted husband to his beloved wife of 60 years, Jane Blank Nucci and loving father to their children and their spouses: Erin and Scott Newnan, Adam and Deborah Nucci, Jennifer Nucci and Sage Baue, Julia Kelly and Ryan Smith, Drew and Tara Nucci, and Nathaniel and Nicole Nucci. He was a doting grandfather who loved to joke with his grandchildren; Jessica and husband Em, Aidan and wife Robyn, Maeve, Samantha, Nathaniel, Matthew, Dominic, Nico, Giovanna, Lily, and Braden and with his great-grandchildren William, Ciaran, and Hugo.
As a successful executive in the moving and storage industry, John was able to give his family a lifetime of adventures as they lived in 11 places from coast to coast, including an epic 8-day drive from Chicago to Los Angeles on old Route 66. Amidst the family’s travels, he coached his kids’ softball teams, played golf, hiked, went fishing, cheered on the Red Sox, and explored his talents as a painter. John had a deep and eclectic love of music which he imparted on his children ranging from Al Green, to Three Dog Night, to Santana, and classical symphonies. John lived his faith by providing for his family and contributing to his community. He had served as Chairman of the Pastoral Council at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Derry and Chairman of the Board of Selectmen in Chester. John volunteered for 9 years with the NH Association for the Blind.
There are no calling hours. John will be remembered at a funeral mass to be celebrated on Friday, January 9th at 10 am, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 26 Crystal Avenue, Derry, NH. Burial will be in the spring at Great Hill Cemetery in Chester. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by mail at 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105, or online at https://www.stjude.org/.