John "Jack" Paul Daigneault

John “Jack” Daigneault, born on December 17, 1933, to the late Ulric Daigneault and Doris (Saucier) Ledger lived a life marked by devotion to family, hard work, and a deep love of his community. He passed away at the age of 92 after a short illness, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered with great affection.

Along with his parents, he was predeceased by the love of his life and wife of 26 years, Frances L. “Chickie” Daigneault, who passed in 1982, as well as by his beloved son Christopher L. Daigneault in 2024, and his sister Jean Nunley Tessier in 1985.

Jack is survived by his devoted children: John and his wife Lori of Guilford, CT; Richard and his wife Sandra, Thomas and his wife Elizabeth, Louis, and Maryellen, all of Leominster. He leaves 11 grandchildren who he adored: Mark Daigneault, Jenna Bloch, Erica Allain, Nina Martinez-Daigneault, Jaci Daigneault-O’Connor, Christopher Daigneault, Jr., Andrew Daigneault, John Daigneault, Rocco Daigneault, Zachary Daigneault, and Colbee Dandini. He also leaves 9 great-grandchildren: Henry, Ruby, and Jack Bloch; Daphne and Howie Allain; Callum O’Connor; and, AJ, Stella, and Leo Daigneault.

Jack graduated from Leominster High School in 1952, Worcester Academy in 1953, and the University of Maine in 1958. Along with being a well-rounded student, he was well known for his athletic gifts and competitive spirit. Jack lettered in four varsity sports and was inducted into the Leominster Hall of Fame in 2022. He excelled in football, basketball, baseball, and track, and he was named the Leominster High School Athlete of the Year in 1952, as well as Worcester Academy Athlete of the Year in 1953. He later played basketball and baseball at the University of Maine and semi-pro baseball for the Woodstock Lions in New Brunswick, Canada. He was a Leominster Blue Devil through and through and was proud of his #27 football jersey, his nickname, “Fast Jack,” and all of his “Big Blue” trucks.

Jack’s professional life was equally distinguished. From 1962 to 1974, he served as a lead foreman for Beacon Construction, where he was respected for his leadership, skill, and reliability. He was particularly proud of their work in the building of the Wellesley Office Park and Government Center City Hall Plaza.

In 1971, he and his wife bought the Il Camino Restaurant. They both worked two jobs while raising six children and built what became, and has been, a cherished local staple in the community of Leominster for 55 years. His typical work day began at 2:30 in the morning. He and his buddy, John Culley, made the homemade pasta, chicken soup and sauce, cleaned the kitchen, and prepared food for the start of each business day. They were truly work horses! While his hours needed to reduce over the years, he was still making “the sauce” in his early 80s. His commitment to that business reflected the same steady work ethic, character, determination, and sacrifice that guided his entire life.

Jack always played sports which led to introducing his children to various sports and following them throughout their athletic careers, always watching their outdoor games from Big Blue. Jack, Chickie and their children cherished each and every summer they spent at their family cottage in Dennis on Cape Cod. He enjoyed time with his friends, especially playing pick-up and league basketball and watching college and NFL football. In his later years, he enjoyed following the University of Maine Black Bears, attending grandchildren’s basketball and football games, and watching the History Channel, Grit TV, horse racing, Judge Judy, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, the Patriots, and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Jack Daigneault will be remembered with love and gratitude as a kind, loyal, respectful, and loving man whose presence brought warmth and strength to his family and friends. He was a man of quiet dignity, generous spirit, and enduring devotion, and it was a privilege to know him. He took great pride in the people he loved and the life he built. His impact will continue to be felt in the stories shared by his family, in the memories of his friends, and in the many lives he touched over the years.

Lastly, Maryellen’s devotion, commitment and sacrifice for her dad cannot be overstated. She lived with him for many years and was his primary caretaker, companion, and buddy. Her extraordinary efforts allowed him to remain in his home until the last days of his life. Special thanks are also extended to the home health providers who took such loving and dignified care of Jack. Gratitude is also shared with the nurses and hospice staff of the Remillard Family Pavillion, 4th floor east, at UMass Medical Center in Worcester.

And in Jack’s words, “God bless ya, God love ya!”

A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, June 22 at 10:00 AM in St. Anna Church, 194 Lancaster St., Leominster. Burial will follow in St. Leo Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, June 21 in Richardson Funeral Home, 106 West St., from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Leominster Education Foundation, c/o Jack and Chris Daigneault Athletic Scholarship Fund, 24 Church Street, Leominster, MA 01453 or the Frances “Chickie” Daigneault Memorial Scholarship Fund at https://cfncm.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1239

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