Niagara- Jacob “Jack” Angelo Paccagnella, also known as “Grandpa Jack” “Papa Jack,” or “Pops,” caught a sunrise to the other side on the peaceful morning of Thursday, June 17, 2021.
Jack was many things, first: a husband. He loved with the kind of love that we could all hope to experience. If you ever got to see the way his eyes lit up when Bev walked into the room, you know what I’m talking about. He was a one-of-a-kind father & grandfather; he taught us that love isn’t bound by blood relations or biological factors. Family is who you choose and what you make it.
He was an amazing chef, former bar owner, restaurateur, jokester extraordinaire, and A “Jack of all trades.” Whatever it took, he was willing to do or at least try.
You could expect to see him wearing his Korean War hat, jeans, suspenders, & white shirt. Jack had an infectious, deep laugh and could captivate a room with his tales of days gone by when movies were 5 cents, old-world Chicago or Milwaukee, fishing, camping, hunting, and much more.
Jack was a Full-blooded Italian; he was truly a one-of-a-kind character. Jack was a decorated War Hero and Purple Heart recipient, with the true testament to his character being that this is never an achievement he bragged about or thought of himself highly for; in his eyes, he was just “doing his job.” He was proud to be an American.
Jack was loyal, as evidenced by his love, support, and commitment to his family and to his beloved Chicago Bears despite their many years of losses and the number of $1 bills he lost betting on Packers vs. Bears games. Jack lived fully, and he lived well; we can all take a lesson from him on how to live our lives. May we not take life too seriously, crack open the corona, live generously with open hearts and fat wallets, stay up late, drink the margaritas, eat the spaghetti, enjoy the pie, throw just one more cast, buy the Powerball ticket, and make this one life count.
While we will mourn the loss of his presence here with us (and especially his cooking!), we will carry him with us in our hearts for as long as we live! May we always see him in a beautiful sunrise, think of him when we pick up a dime from a sidewalk, eat a pasty, or when we crack open a cold corona on a hot summer day. Cheers, Jack-
This isn’t goodbye; it’s “I’ll see you later.” We know you’re always here with us, watching out for us. Thanks for all of the memories.
Jack will be missed most of all by the love of his life, Bev, the “girls” Molly & Bella, as well as his kids, many grandkids, great-grandkids, and extended family & friends. Love you always, until we meet again!
In accordance with Jack’s wishes, private family services will be held.
In remembrance of Jack, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, you donate to an Alzheimer’s Charity of your choice.
You may leave a condolence or tribute for Jack’s family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.
The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home and Cremation Services-Niagara Chapel, Niagara, Wis., to honor Jack’s legacy of life.