John Joseph Mansfield

John Joseph Jack Mansfield, 84 of Longmont passed away October 8, 2019 surrounded by family. John was born December 6, 1934 in Brooklyn, New York to Matthew and Ethel (Corbett) Mansfield. He grew up in Brooklyn in an Irish / Italian neighborhood. He was an exceptional baseball player and Golden Glove boxer, and at a young age, possessed an upstanding work ethic that followed him through life. He graduated from Holy Cross Catholic School in 1953, top of his class.After graduation, John enlisted in the United States Army and honorably served for five years. On September 27, 1958 he married the love of his life, Shirley Hall, in Commerce City, CO. John proudly worked as a firefighter in Boulder, CO for over thirty years. He served as a union leader and was a fierce negotiator, pushing through many safeguards and benefits for firefighters, and later did the same for retired firefighters right up until his death. He retired from the city of Boulder Fire Department in 1991 as Captain, after which he switched from part time to full time as the Fire Marshall for the city of Lafayette Fire Department. During his extensive career, he was a mentor to many firefighters and an admired leader.John attended Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Boulder for twenty years, until he moved to Longmont where he attended St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed history, gardening, friends, and travel. He was devoted to his family and was also a mentor to his daughters and grandchildren, leading his family by fine example.He was a humble man of quick wit, true grit, great intelligence and deep wisdom. He was respected and loved by many and will be dearly missed.John is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Richard Mansfield. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Shirley Mansfield; their children, Kimberly (Thomas Kolo) Mansfield of Loveland, CO, Lisa Barnica of Boulder, CO, and Susan (Mark) Jankovsky of Loveland, CO; five grandchildren, Derek (Amber) Reisbeck, Renee Reisbeck, Lennon (Becky Herman) Barnica, Morgan (Kurtis Meintzer) Pert, Mackenzie Pert; and six great-grandchildren, Gunner, Tristan, Lyle, Hazel, Hadlee and Ellie.A rosary service will be held at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel in Longmont from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., Thursday October, 24th, followed by visitation with the family. Mass of the Resurrection will be Friday, October 25th at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Longmont, followed by a graveside service with honors at Foothills Gardens of Memory, also in Longmont. A reception will follow at the Longmont American Legion.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Colorado Professional Fire Fighters Foundation DFDCU12 Lakeside LaneDenver, CO 80212Enclosed with contribution specify:Deposit into the John Joseph Mansfield Memorial account(CPFF foundation's mission is to provide aid and support to Colorado fire fighters, their families, and dependents who are victims of tragedy.) http://www.cpfffoundation.com