Jack T. Bangrazi

Jack Thomas Bangrazi was born on February 5th, 1938 in Leominster, Massachusetts. Jack's life was a canvas of vibrant experiences and enduring relationships that touched many hearts.

Jack's journey began as a bright-eyed student at Lancaster St. Elementary School, next to Gallagher Jr. High School then to Leominster High School, where his artistic talent began to flourish. His pursuit of art led him, along with his childhood best friend, Joe Lisciotti, to the New England School of Art. Jack's creative spirit was not just confined to canvas and paper; it spilled over into every aspect of his life.

After college, Jack enlisted in the National Guard to serve his country in the reserves at Fort Dix, N.J. While raising a family, he helped run the family liquor store business, Johnny's Package Store, which he inherited after his father's passing in 1970. Jack owned and managed the business until 1974 with his father's partner, Johnny Celli. But Jack's heart beat to the rhythm of a different drum, quite literally, as he sold the family business and joined the rock band Changes. From 1974 to 1980, he toured with the band all over New England and up through Canada recording 2 albums in their time together. As a prominent area jazz & rock drummer/vocalist, Jack also played in several notable local bands from his teens in the late 1950's through to the early 2010's. Some of the more popular ones include: The Gideo Bisceglia Group, Joe Jaye Trio, Group 70, Leominster Jazz Quartet and The Al Pier Quartet- along with countless pick-up gigs and recording projects with many other bands.

After his time with Changes, Jack returned to his first love, art, and opened General Art, a solo commercial art business that thrived from 1980 until 1985. His professional journey continued at Sterilite Corp. in Townsend as the art director from 1985 until his retirement in 2005. Jack's logo for Sterilite still stands and can be seen on all their products to this day.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Jack's life was rich with many interests. An avid golfer, he spent countless hours on the greens of Monoosnoc Country Club, where he was the oldest and longest standing member. His love for music continued to flourish as he played drums and sang with various jazz groups after retirement, a testament to his lifelong passion for music. Jack's hands were never idle. In retirement, he turned to portraiture, creating stunning depictions of people, animals and landscapes that became cherished gifts to family and friends. He also had a love for assembling model airplanes and ships. To describe Jack is to speak of creativity, gentleness, and courage- qualities that he embodied and that inspired all who knew him. His life was a testament to the power of following one's passions, embracing change, and living with an open heart.

Jack's life was a symphony of relationships with love from anyone who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of family who were dear to his heart: his son, Michael J. Bangrazi and his fiance, Jennifer; his brother, Abe Bangrazi, wife Elena, and their children, Anthony and John; his sister, Louise Withington, her late husband Paul, and their children, David, Michael, Andy, Bobby and Anne Marie. Jack's life was also enriched by the love of his first wife and mother of their only child, Judith A. Smith; his second partner, Judith Dufort, her daughter, Erica, and his grandchildren, Scotty, Christian and Connor; his second wife, Catherine Bulger, and her daughter, Kaitlin; and his life partner, the late Sheila Lupaczyk, and her children, Jason, Luke, Matt, Matt Jr. and Olivia. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Matilda Bangrazi, who were immigrants from Rome, Italy.

The family would like to thank UMASS Hospice Services, Leominster Aging Services and all the volunteers for their dedicated care, love and support for Jack.

Calling hours  will be held on Wednesday, May 20th  from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM in Richardson Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 21st at 10:00 AM in St. Leo Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The National Cancer Society.

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