Jersey City Firefighter and Up-and-Coming Stage & Screen Actor Dies at 45

Firefighter, family man and stage and screen actor John "Jack" Ferry has passed away.

According to the Jersey Journal, Ferry died on Saturday, August 15, 2015 after suffering a stroke. He was 45.

Described as "a beloved member" of both the Jersey City Fire Department and Renegade Theater Co., his acting career was just starting to take off before his death. He nabbed speaking roles in the TV series PERSON OF INTEREST, THE BLACKLIST, THE LEFTOVERS and BOARDWALK EMPIRE.

Ferry reportedly waited to focus on his passion for acting until he made sure his wife and son were secure financially. Still, he appeared in local theatre productions and graduated from several acting schools before heading to the small screen.

"John was a respected member of the department and everyone was shocked and saddened to learn of his death at a such a young age," said Jersey City Public Safety Director James Shea. "We will keep his wife, son and entire family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."

There will be a visitation for relatives and friends on Thursday, August 20, at the O'Brien Funeral Home in Wall, NJ, followed by a service on Friday, August 21 at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home before 10:30 a.m. mass at St. Rose of Lima Church in Belmar. The family is accepting gifts for his son, John Augustus's, college fund.