On December 19, 2021, John G. Kieras, Jr., loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many passed peacefully at Baystate Medical Center at the age of 81.

John was born at the Wysocki homestead in North Amherst on January 6, 1940, to the late John Sr. and Jean Kieras. He attended Amherst schools and graduated from Amherst High School in 1958. During these years he helped at the family business, Kieras Oil, Inc., and later attended Trade High School (now Springfield Technical Community College) as an oil burner technician. After the tragic passing of his father, John began the lifelong journey as co-owner of Kieras Oil with his youngest brother, Bob.

From a young age, John experienced farm life as he would often play with family members and friends out in the fields as his parents worked. As he grew older, he too would be found helping in the tobacco or asparagus fields and on his cousins’ dairy farm. In the mid 80s, he began his own venture planting an asparagus field behind his house in Hadley. He loved asparagus and was never shy to share that Hadley was the “Asparagus Capital of the World” with anyone he encountered (even while on a cruise with the Eddie Forman Orchestra in the Caribbean). It was not surprising to find John’s arms full of fruits and veggies to place on the dinner table or to find him delivering them to friends.

During his 20s, John and a close group of friends would attend Sunday polkas at Pulaski Park in Three Rivers, MA. It is there that he met his future beloved wife, Lorraine M. (Koziol) Kieras. Not too long after, John proposed to Lorraine at the Quabbin Reservoir. On May 10, 1969, they exchanged their vows and were married at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Three Rivers. They settled in Hadley and there raised their family, while remaining true to their vows for 52 years.

John was very active in his community. He was a loyal member of the Hadley American Legion Post 271, as he was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. At one point, he served as the Commander of the Legion. He devoted many years of his life to providing an honorable and proper burial for all those who served. He also took great pride participating in the Hadley Memorial Day Parade and eventually helped to coordinate the event. It brought him great joy when his ‘51 Chevy would drive along the parade route filled with his grandchildren tossing candy into the crowds. He enjoyed antique cars so much he became a member of the Connecticut Valley Region Antique Car Club with other family and friends from town. John was a faithful communicant of the Most Holy Redeemer Church in Hadley. In his earlier years, he worked Bingo first in the Hopkins Academy Cafetorium and later in the Parish Hall. John also devoted his time at the Three County Fair church booth.

John was always up for an adventure and enjoyed the outdoors. He loved sharing stories of his early childhood road trip adventures with his cousins and friends, which always seemed to include something funny happening. A favorite story he told was when he drove to Canada. When asked what they did, with a smirk on his face, he said they turned around shortly after crossing the border and headed home. He took a course in mushroom picking and also learned to canoe. He enjoyed deep sea fishing at Hampton Beach where his family and extended family vacationed for close to 50 years. One of his greatest joys was going to “The Camp” in NH and relaxing at Forest Lake. His favorite pastime was cruising around town stopping and visiting farmers and friends and transporting his local buddies. At home he enjoyed relaxing and watching wartime documentaries and good old black and white movies with his wife. Regardless of what was going on, though, you would be sure to see John in the crowds cheering and supporting his daughters at sporting and musical events or whatever activity they were involved in.

He embraced his Polish heritage and was grateful to travel to Poland in 2000. While there, he was able to visit family and see incredible sites. He was captivated by the West and enjoyed a trip, which included seeing Mt. Rushmore, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and experiencing ranch life in Montana. One of his favorite destinations was Hawaii, where he was able to visit Pearl Harbor and honor those who bravely lost their lives on that dark December day in 1941. He enjoyed many trips with his family, including his most recent one to Turks and Caicos with his entire family a month ago. Prior to leaving, he told Lorraine he was going to take her on, “The best trip of her life”. Little did we realize just how special that trip would be.

During his final days, John’s family was given the gift of sharing time with him. They talked about how blessed they were by his life. He leaves an incredible legacy rooted in faith, family, and friends.

He is survived by his devoted and beloved wife of 52 years, Lorraine, his three loving daughters: Diane Kieras-Ciolkos (husband David Ciolkos) of Hadley, Linda Kieras Kenny (husband Patrick Kenny) of Feeding Hills, and Lori Kieras Rezendes (husband Dana Rezendes) of West Tisbury; his seven cherished grandchildren: Kiera and Christian Ciolkos of Hadley, Leah, Ryan, and Lily Kenny of Feeding Hills, and Nathan and Meghan Rezendes of West Tisbury; one sister, Connie Wyluda (husband Hank) of New York; and two brothers, Jim Kieras (wife Peggy) of Holden, and Bob Kieras (wife Sharon) of Whately, and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the countless friends and healthcare workers at Mass General Hospital, Baystate Medical Center, Cooley Dickinson Hospital and VNA Services who touched John’s life.

In conclusion, as it is appropriate for this time of year, it is said John’s life resembled that of George Bailey from “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Just as George did, John George Kieras stepped in after the passing of his father and worked tirelessly around the clock at Kieras Oil to provide for his family. He was a humble, honest, hard-working man with a kind and generous heart that always brought a smile to your face. As Clarence said in the movie, “Each man’s life touches so many other lives…” and this John did. Even amidst hardship, John knew, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” When you hear a bell ring this holiday season, it must be John getting his wings.

Due to the current COVID-19 situation, the family will be holding private funeral services, with a memorial celebration of John’s life at a later date (TBD).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s name to Most Holy Redeemer Church or Cemetery Church Fund or to the Hadley American Legion Post 271, 162 Russell Street, Hadley, MA 01035. Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com