Former Braintree High School Headmaster John LeRoy Passes Away

BRAINTREE, MA — The beloved former headmaster of Braintree High School has passed away.

John LeRoy, 87, died peacefully Thursday at his Braintree home, according to his obituary. A near-lifetime resident of Braintree, LeRoy died in the house be was born in.

"He loved the town and its people and never wanted to leave," his obituary said.

A football enthusiast, he was an All-Scholastic at Braintree High School and later an All-American at Springfield College. He served as the captain of the Braintree, Springfield College, and Marine Corp football teams. He was drafted by the Chicago Cardinals, but chose to enter the education field because he believed he could impact the lives of his students.

Following time in the Marines, LeRoy graduated from Springfield College and received his master's degree from Bridgewater State College.

LeRoy's educational career started at Bergenfield High School in New Jersey and he taught at Canton High School before returning to Braintree, where he remained for the rest of his career. During his 38 years at Braintree High School, he was a teacher, assistant principal, headmaster, and football coach. He also served as a member of the Blue Hills Regional School Committee.

He was affectionately known by his students as "the bear" and knew almost every student's name as well as their family.

"He was always there for all his former students when they needed help or advice. He touched so many lives. He developed lasting friendships with many of his former classmates, administrators, teachers, and students," his obituary read.

LeRoy retired in 1993 due to a serious illness. Following a miraculous recovery, he served on the school committee and board of selectmen.

A reposing at the Cartwright-Venuti Funeral Home will be held until 9 a.m. Tuesday. A funeral mass at St. Clare Church in Braintree is scheduled for 10 a.m. Visiting hours are Monday 4-8 p.m. Burial will take place Braintree Plain Street Cemetery.

Click here to read the full obituary.

Portions of LeRoy's obituary was used in this article.

Image via Shutterstock