Wolfeboro, NH – John Nicholas Pernokas, 89, of Wolfeboro, NH, passed away in the early morning of November 7, 2026.
John was born on June 22, 1937 in Boston, Massachusetts. He and his family lived in the Thomas Park area of South Boston until settling in Westwood, MA. John graduated with the Class of ’55 from Westwood High School. He looked back on his ‘Green Years’ at Westwood fondly and kept in touch with many of his classmates through the years.
Following a short stint at Boston University, John entered the United States Army. Completing his military service he enrolled at UMass Amherst. John kept busy to help get himself through school. He helped out at his father’s store in Jamaica Plain, worked for his uncle at Atlantic Beach Park in Misquamicut RI, but the majority of his time was spent employed by a contractor building houses in and around Amherst. In his junior year, John was set up on a blind date with Laura (Jill) Householder of S. Hadley, MA, who was attending Umass Amherst for summer school. Following graduation in 1963, John and Jill were married in Amherst. The same summer, John entered a management training program with United Parcel Service in Watertown MA. He would stay with UPS for 30 years. Working his way up, John moved to the corporate headquarters in CT and directed the Customer Service and Safety Departments. He was also loaned to the non-profit United Way, which he found very rewarding. John and Jill moved to Wolfeboro, NH when John retired from UPS. Never content to sit still, John became very active in his community. He was president of the Wolfeboro chapter of Rotary and also the Wolfeboro Economic Development Corporation. John clearly saw the need for more activities and opportunities for young people in the area, and he helped establish the Kingswood Youth Center. Ultimately, the project John was most proud of was building ‘The Nick” Recreation Park, along with many other devoted people.
When he was at home, John enjoyed spending time outdoors. He could be found hiking, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, running the tractor, or driving one of his classic pickups.
John was predeceased by his son, Nicholas John Pernokas, and brothers Dr. Louis Pernokas, and Dr. Arthur Pernokas. He is survived by his loving wife Laura (Jill) Pernokas, his sister Kathleen Joanne (Pernokas) West, his son Arthur John Pernokas and his wife Carley Renee (Harris) Pernokas, and his grandchildren. John was as devoted to his family as they were to him.
He will be missed, but the love he built in his life endures.
Visiting Hours will be held at Lord Funeral Home, 23 Club Lane, Wolfeboro, NH on Friday, November 20, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Lord Funeral Home of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire is assisting the family with arrangements. If you wish to express a condolence or leave a fond memory please visit, www.lordfuneralhome.com.
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