HARRISON — John “Jack” E. diPretoro, 96, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, at his home on Long Lake.

Born in Jamaica, N.Y., on April 7, 1924, Jack was the only son of the late John E. and Katherine G. McCarthy diPretoro. The family moved to Providence, R.I., in 1937, with Jack graduating from La Salle Academy in 1941. He attended the College of the Holy Cross from 1941-1942 as a naval cadet and then enlisted in the U.S. Naval Training Program in September of 1942.

Commissioned as an ensign, Jack received his naval aviator wings in April 1944. His service in World War II, included combat in the Pacific Theater aboard aircraft carriers U.S.S. Franklin and the U.S.S. Hornet, Flying TBM Avenger torpedo bombers. Campaigns included the Philippines, Leyte, Formosa, Bonin Island and the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea for which he was awarded the Air Medal, as well as Asiatic-Pacific campaign medal with three stars. Presidential Unit Citation, a China service medal, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon. After WWII ended, Jack transferred to the regular Navy and served on activity duty as a naval aviator and test pilot until his retirement as a Lieutenant Commander in 1963.

Jack married Marjorie E. Evers on June 11, 1947. They celebrated 62 years of married life before she passed away on August 29, 2009. They were the parents of five children, Richard, William (Bill), Nancy, Ann and John. After raising their children in Kingston, R.I., Jack and Marge built a home on Long Lake in Harrison, and moved in 1982.

Jack’s passion in life were many. He was a devoted father, husband and friend; an avid snow skier well into his 90s serving on the Ski Patrol for many years; a sailor, captaining several sailboats, over the years; an enormous lover of animals, a seasoned traveler; and active member in his church; active in Harrison Lions Club; and for six years the chairman of the board of directors at Northern Cumberland Memorial Hospital (now Bridgton Hospital). Jack was also a diehard Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, and Boston Bruins fan, and truly enjoyed playing golf with his family and friends.

Survivors include his son Bill (Sandra) of Atlantic Beach, N.C.; his daughter, Nancy of South Portland; his daughter, Ann (Tim) of Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; his son, John (Christine) of Sedgwick; grandchildren Ryan diPretoro Kluttz (Tyler); Kyle diPretoro (Blair); Kimberly Reinaldo; Tyler diPretoro (Sarah); Chris diPretoro (Abbie); Timothy Reinaldo (Jocelyn); Michelle diPretoro; and Robert diPretoro; great-grandchildren Ava Kluttz, Nora Kluttz, Emmett diPretoro, Liam diPretoro, Thompson diPretoro; and nieces Cindy Waters (George) and Christine Whiteman.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie; his parents, John and Katherine; and son, Richard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the United Parish UCC of Harrison and North Bridgton, P.O. Box 95 Harrison, ME 04040, or Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, 1389 Bridgton Road, Fryeburg, ME 04037.

A public visitation will be held on Saturday, March 6, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Chandler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 8 Elm Street, Bridgton, with a service following. Due to Covid-19, masks and social distancing will be required. Those unable to attend can view the service on our website, www.chandlerfunerals.com under John’s obituary as well as leave condolences for his family. Interment will be at Arlington National Cem- etery with full military honors at a later date.