John P. “Jack” Waldron, a longtime resident of Dedham, died September 13, 2024. He was 86 yearsold.

Born January 25, 1938 in Boston to Walter J. and Frances P. (Carroll) Waldron, he was raised in Milton, where he attended St. Agatha School. Upon graduating from Cranwell Preparatory School in Lenox in 1955, Jack began his university studies at Boston College. With one year of college under his belt, Jack enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division from 1956-1958. After completing his military assignment, Jack returned to Boston College and graduated in 1961. He went on to earn a master’s degree in education from Boston State College in 1970.

Jack was an exceptional athlete and competitor with unmatched mental toughness. At Cranwell Prep, he was a three-sport student-athlete, lettering in football, baseball and basketball. He went on to play football at Boston College as the team’s starting defensive back and punt returner. After graduation, Jack was recruited by and participated in training camp tryouts with both the Boston Patriots and New York Titans. Ultimately, Jack signed a contract to play professional football with the Atlantic Coast Football League (ACFL). He played in the ACFL from 1963-1966, retiring from football due to injuries.

In addition to his athletic pursuits, Jack also excelled at mathematics. He took his talents to the classroom, teaching in Boston Public Schools from 1966-1999. Jack’s contributions to the field include a U.S. Patent that he was awarded for inventing a mathematic system that is still in use today.

Jack cherished his time with family and lit up a room with his storytelling. Jack was blessed with lifelong friends, siblings and cousins, who he loved fiercely. He enjoyed gatherings at the family beach house in Ocean Bluff, cruise vacations, and making Christmas magical in Chicago each year for his nieces and nephew, and in time, their children. Jack was an avid golfer at Cedar Hill Golf Course and many other courses on the South Shore. He loved working with the golf pro, helping with junior lessons and demonstrating the intricacies of the golf swing.

Throughout his life, Jack felt compelled to give back. This is evidenced through Jack’s military service, his dedication to veterans, educating the next generation in Boston’s public schools, and most notably, his charity work with St. Coletta School for intellectual disabilities. St. Coletta is where Jack’s oldest brother Francis lived and spent his early years. While his brother Francis lived at St. Coletta, Jack loved to take him for rides in his Corvette convertible.

Preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Francis X. Waldron and Rev. Walter J. Waldron, his nephew-in-law Francis X. Hubbard, and his grandnephew Benedict M. Priesbe. Survived by his sisters, Marie T. Fallon (Robert) of Barrington, Ill. and Denise W. Parody (Thomas) of Naples, Fla. Beloved uncle of Michelle M. Sullivan (Michael) of Glenview, Ill., Monique D. Hubbard of Marshfield, Mass., Cheryl F. Priesbe (Matthew) of Glenview, Ill., and Robert D. Fallon, Jr. (Carlye) of Glenview, Ill. Cherished great-uncle of Megan, Lauren and Ryan Sullivan, Conor Fallon, and Michael Priesbe, all of Glenview, Ill., and many dear cousins.

Visitation in St. Agatha Church, 432 Adams St., Milton, Tuesday, September 24 at 9:30 a.m., immediately followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. The celebrant will be Fr. Joseph Hubbard, nephew of Jack’s goddaughter, Monique Hubbard. The Chalice that will be used during the Mass belonged to Jack’s brother, Rev. Walter J. Waldron. Interment, with full military honors, at Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, Tuesday at 1:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack’s memory to Cardinal Cushing Centers, St. Coletta School, 405 Washington St., Hanover, MA 02339.