John Daddona, 1932–2026, lifelong Waltham resident and former WPS Superintendent

John J. “Jack” Daddona, of Waltham, died Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026 at Emerson Hospital in Concord following a period of declining health. He was 93.

Jack was born in Waltham on March 31, 1932, a son of the late Michael and Teresa (Cusano) Daddona and had been a lifelong resident. He was a graduate of Waltham High School where he excelled in sports, earning him a football scholarship to the University of Denver where he graduated in 1955. Four years later he earned his Master’s degree in education from Northeastern University in Boston.

Jack began a long and distinguished education career in Waltham, first as a teacher at the Warrendale School, as it was then known, later becoming principal. He rose through the ranks gaining experience in every department and in every facet of school management. He was appointed Waltham’s Superintendent of Schools, a position that he held until his retirement.

Jack’s ready smile and kind, affable nature earned him many friends among teachers, students and parents. He took the time each year to visit every classroom in every school in the city. The very personal connection that Jack made with those he met made him a friend for life.

Jack’s love of sports never waned and he could be counted on to attend Waltham High football games regularly and play many rounds of golf during the good weather.

He leaves his wife, Sue-Ellen Lydon-Daddona; his children, Theresa Arsenault and her husband Robert of South Carolina, John Daddona, Jr. and his wife Paula of Massachusetts and Mark Daddona and his wife Debra of Florida; his grandchildren, Darren, Derek and Allison Arsenault, and Michael, Victoria, Emily and John Daddona, III; his great-grandson, Luca, with another great-grandson expected this April; and his sister Olga DiTomasso of Lunenburg.

Jack was also the father of infant Michael Patrick Daddona and brother of the late George Daddona.

Family and friends will honor and remember Jack’s life by gathering at his celebration of life mass at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 27 at Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham.