Jack E. Kriesick, Sr.

Jack E. Kriesick, Sr., 78, of 1231 Faichney Dr., Watertown, passed away February 24, 2018 at the Samaritan Medical Center.

The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, March 1 at the Hart & Bruce Funeral Home, Watertown.  Burial with Military Honors will follow in Brookside Cemetery.

Calling hours will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, February 28 at the funeral home.  The American Legion Post 61 will he holding a memorial service at 5:30 p.m. and the VFW Post 1400 will be holding theirs at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Born on October 31, 1939 in Watertown, son of Jack R. and Rhoda E. (Hooker) Kriesick, he graduated from Watertown High School in 1957.

He served as an Airborne Infantryman with the 82nd Airborne Division from November 3, 1959 until July 31, 1963 as a paratrooper.  He served in hostile areas of Southeast Asia as a medic, was proficient in small arms, was pathfinder schooled, and volunteered service with the 77th Special Forces and Operation Chopper on January 12, 1962 in South Vietnam.  He received two Purple Hearts and numerous other medals and decorations before being honorably discharged.

Upon returning home, Jack worked for the City of Watertown Fire Department as a firefighter for thirty years, retiring as Senior Firefighter.

He married Joy Schell on February 6, 2011 and the couple resided in Watertown.

Jack was a Life Member of Barben Jones VFW Post 1400 and former Chaplain, Life Member of the American Legion Post 61 and former member of the Executive Board, Life Member and former Commander and Chaplain of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 18, and former Chairman and Chaplain of the Central NY All Airborne Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division Association.

He was a Life Member and member of the Watertown Elks Lodge for over 50 years, member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles #782, and International Association of Firefighters Union Member Local 191 Watertown.

He enjoyed fishing, boating, camping, traveling and writing poetry.

Among his survivors are his wife, Joy Kriesick, Watertown, a son and daughter in law, Jack E. and Jessica Kriesick Jr., Watertown, three step children, Laura Avery, Daniel and Elainna Platt, Lisa and Eric Boyce, three step grandchildren, Raven, Trinity and Willow, a great grandson, Lochlan, a brother and sister in law, Stephen and Eddie Sue Kriesick, Richmond, VA, a sister, Joyce Parker, Columbia, SC, several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his loving daughter, Jill Anne Kriesick who passed on June 24, 2015 and a sister, Glory Jean Johnson.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Sisters of the Precious Blood 400 Pratt St., Watertown, NY or the SPCA 25056 Water St., Watertown, NY 13601.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartandbrucefh.com

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