John Leo ‘Jack’ Diefendorf Jr., 79, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025, at Lowell General Hospital after a period of declining health.
Born in Boston on September 4, 1946, he was the son of the late John L. Diefendorf and the late Loraine (Everhard) Diefendorf. Jack grew up in Lowell, where he attended local schools and graduated from Lowell High School.
A gifted and passionate musician, Jack began playing drums in local clubs around Lowell as a teenager and went on to enjoy a lifelong career in music. He performed with many bands over the years, including Mocha, 2ND WIND and the Nick Goumas Quartet, entertaining audiences across New England at venues such as the Peppermint Lounge, Cinnamon Lounge, Mark V Lounge, The Tap, The Riverwalk Cafe, the Chit Chat Lounge and countless other clubs. Music was the rhythm of Jack’s life—he continued to play until his retirement just a few years ago.
Outside of music, Jack was an avid tennis player and golfer who worked at the Billerica Country Club 20 plus years where he formed life long friendships. He was also an active member of Club Passe-Temps in Lowell and a longtime member of the Billerica Elks.
Jack leaves his longtime companion of 35 years, Holly Small of Hudson, NH; his daughter, Krysten Diefendorf-Blute of Hudson, NH; her mother Linda Diefendorf of York, ME and his brother, Peter Diefendorf of Salem, NH and his longtime companion Kelly Redman, his brother-in-law Harvey Beaudette and his wife Rose of Dracut, Ma. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews; many dear friends from the music community, especially Nick Goumas; and his close friend and landlord, Iva Dovlentis.
He was predeceased by his parents John Leo Diefendorf, Sr and Loraine Everhard of Lowell, MA, his sister, Johanna “Jill” Beaudette, his son-in-law, the late Gregory Blute, and many beloved friends.
PER HIS WISHES, A CELEBRATION OF LIFE WILL BE HELD AT A LATER DATE
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