John T. (Jack) Lesperance of Gardner died unexpectedly Thursday, Nov. 10, while vacationing in Costa Rica. He was 77.

Born in Gardner on August 10, 1939, he was the son of the late Freeman and Elizabeth (Bedard) Lesperance.

A lifelong resident of Gardner, Jack graduated from Gardner High School with the class of 1957. He received his associate’s degree in business from Mount Wachusett Community College of Gardner and his bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2002 from Fitchburg State University.

Prior to retiring in 2000, Jack was employed in the Inside Sales Department and Credit Office of S. Bent and Brothers, Inc. of Gardner for many years. He was previously employed by Temple Stuart Furniture Company and Simplex Time Recorder.

He was a member of the former Sacred Heart of Jesus Church of Gardner.

He enjoyed biking, traveling, reading and doing yard work. He was a loyal fan of the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. He loved spending time on Martha’s Vineyard, where he worked for the Island Queen Ferry and information desk in Oak Bluffs.

Jack loved people and was a true humanitarian. He was a volunteer of the Gardner Museum and also served as its trustee. He was a member of the Lions Club of Gardner and was a volunteer for the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association as a tour guide and usher for various programs.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Roberta A. (Matthews) Lesperance of Gardner; a son, Gregg A. Lesperance and his wife Fabiana of Hubbardston; a daughter, Jennifer L. Lesperance and her husband Keith Fisher of E. Hampton; three brothers, Gerald Lesperance and his wife Jeanne of Aiea, Hawaii, Neal Lesperance and his wife Deanie of Paxton, Alan Lesperance and his wife Barbara of Jefferson, Ga.; four grandchildren, Jackson and Amelie Fisher and Gabriella and Anthony Lesperance; nieces and nephews, Jeff Carney, Donna Carney, Dawn Comptois and Renee Terranova. He was predeceased by his sister, Jean Carney.

Funeral services were held Nov. 22 in Gardner. Interment will be on Martha’s Vineyard at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to MVCMA, P.O. Box 1685, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557. Please note “Tabernacle Restoration Fund” on the memo line, and reference in memory of John Lesperance.