Jack D. Lyons Bridgewater, NJ Jack D. Lyons of Bridgewater, NJ passed away at the age of 91 on Thursday, April 14, 2022, surrounded by his adoring children. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, Jack was born in Plainfield, NJ in 1931 and graduated from Plainfield High School, where he was an offensive lineman on the undefeated Group 4 state championship football team in 1949. In 1952, Jack married the love of his life, Constance "Connie" Oleski, to whom he was tenderly devoted for over 70 years. As an airman in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1953, Jack assisted First Lady Mamie Eisenhower in the interior design and christening of the first airplane to be used as Air Force One. He also accompanied President Dwight Eisenhower to the 1953 Bermuda Conference to meet with other heads of state and personally assisted Winston Churchill during his 1953 visit to Washington, DC. An accomplished artist with a passion for painting and drawing, Jack put his talent to good use at Mack Trucks, where as an illustrator for over 30 years, he mapped out the parts and processes essential to the assembly of the iconic trucks. His passion for art was a constant throughout his life as he continued to enjoy painting and drawing, delighting family members by illustrating heartfelt greeting cards personalized for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. His knack for creating art was complemented by his great skill and passion for gardening. He maintained a fruitful home garden that for decades bore delicious tomatoes, zucchini, lettuce, and other vegetables for meals to be enjoyed by his large extended family. An avid reader, tinkerer, dabbler in auto mechanics, and follower of current events, Jack could discuss any topic for hours, and as many will fondly remember, he was always eager to voice his many strongly held opinions. Above all, Jack's most-treasured vocation was his role as a loving husband to Connie and father to their children Deborah, Nancy, Laura, Jack, and Connie. Together, Jack and Connie visited France, Ireland, and Italy, and enjoyed family trips to Lake George, NY. Family and friends will forever remember his deep devotion to putting family first. Serving as a trusted confidant, advisor, and teacher, Jack was always available to provide his infinite love, insight, humor, and wisdom forged by a lifetime of overcoming personal challenges and loss. A child of the Great Depression, Jack was a living testament to the determination of mankind and the will of the human spirit. He is survived by his loving wife, Connie, and their children, Nancy Szapucki (husband Robert), Laura Snell (husband Scott), Jack Lyons (wife Barbara), and Connie DiRado (husband Anthony). He is also survived by his brother, Robert Lyons, and his beloved grandchildren: Sam Szapucki (wife Marissa), Luke Szapucki (wife Janet), Colin Snell, Alexandra Lyons, Liam Snell, Giancarlo DiRado, Jonah Lyons, Julian DiRado and Olivia DiRado. In addition, Jack is survived by his loving nieces and nephews, as well as three great-grandchildren: Cyprian, Cora, and Hollis Szapucki. He was predeceased in life by his beloved daughter, Deborah, his sister, Marion, and his brothers, Charles, Joseph, Richard, and Daniel. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 22 from 5:00-8:00pm at Branchburg Funeral Home (910 US-202, Branchburg, NJ). A prayer service will begin at the funeral home on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 10:30am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 23 at 11:30am at Church of the Holy Trinity in Bridgewater (60 Maple St, Bridgewater Township, NJ). Committal is private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for a donation in memory of Jack Lyons to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org).