John M. Sacco

John M. Sacco, age 80, of Wakefield, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his beloved family.

Born in Boston on November 21, 1945, John was the son of the late Henry and Mary (Micciche) Sacco. He was raised in Orient Heights, East Boston and graduated from Boston English High School. John went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology from Boston College.

John dedicated many years to a career at John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance before pursuing his passion for teaching. He spent many years teaching science and math to middle schoolers in Everett where he was beloved by his students. He was very proud to have started the school’s chess club. More than 100 eighth graders joined this club sharing in John’s love for chess and inspired by his passion for chess and learning.

He enjoyed a variety of hobbies including bocce, poker, and bowling as a longtime member of the St. Lazarus Bowling League since the age of 16. He played cards with his East Boston “gang” every week for over 60 years. John cherished time spent boating on lakes and enjoying a cigar. He was also an avid golfer, and he loved to cook Italian food for his family and friends. A passionate collector, John particularly treasured his collections of coins and comic books. Alongside his wife, he traveled often and widely, with Las Vegas being their favorite destination, and more recently, they enjoyed cruising.

John was the devoted husband of Christine (Nicholas) Sacco, sharing over 50 years of marriage. He was the loving father of Laurie Crawford and her husband Robert of Bellingham; Lisa Sacco and her partner Justin Moore of Washington, DC; and Michael Sacco and his wife Erin of Stow. He is survived by his sister Linda Sacco of Wareham, was the cherished “Nonno” to Joseph, Gracie, Jacob, Dominic, Isaiah, Cecilia, Nate, Grace, Max, Emory, Abagael, Tucker, and Amelia, and was “Uncle John” to many nieces and nephews.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 173 Albion Street, Wakefield on Wednesday, May 20 at 10AM. Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Tuesday, May 19 from 3-7pm. Interment, Forest Glade Cemetery, Wakefield.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.