Jean Ridino, 1946–2025, first female headmaster of Waltham Boy Scouts

Jean A. Ridino (DiPinto), 78, of Lake Worth, Florida, formerly of Cape Cod and Waltham, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 4 2025 at The Gerstenberg Hospice Center in West Palm Beach Florida.

Born to the late Vincent and Anna DiPinto (Romanofsky) on Oct. 6 1946, in Boston, Massachusetts.

Strong-willed and compassionate, Jean was a loving mother, sister, and friend. At an early age she had a love and passion for the arts and dance, leading her to dance for the Boston Ballet Company. After becoming a mom of all boys, it was only natural that she would become the first female headmaster of the Boy Scouts in Waltham. Jean’s enthusiasm for life and the ones she loved most were evident in everything she did. From her many years of working as a stylist and a beautician at Richard’s Hair salon to working as a crossing guard at MacArthur Elementary School, it was clear Jean truly loved people and inspired others to do the best they could with what they had. A woman of grace with a vibrant personality, she lived life on her own terms.

Predeceased by two of her sons, John and Gregory Ridino; her brother-in-law, Joseph Souza; and her nephew, Jason McDonough.

Jean is survived by her loving and devoted children, Christopher Ridino and his wife Mary Ann of Wareham, and Anthony Ridino of Los Angeles, California; her former husband, Antonio Ridino; and her beloved granddaughter, Hannah Ridino. Jean is also survived by her twin sister, Joan McDonough of Falmouth, with whom she shared a special bond; her sister-in-law Lidia Ferlazzo and her husband Bartolo; her niece and nephew, Caterina and Joseph; and a host of other family members and dear friends.

We will truly miss her humor, her zest for life, and the way she deeply loved.

Friends and family are invited to gather and remember the love and laughter Jean shared with those she knew during visiting hours on Friday, Oct. 10 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in The Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco and Sons Memorial Chapels, located 773 Moody Street Waltham, MA. Parking attendants will be on duty.

A mass of Christian burial in celebration of Jean’s life will be held the following day on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony Church located, 167 East Falmouth Highway (Rte. #28), East Falmouth. Internment will follow in St. Anthony Cemetery.