Joseph Francis Ailinger Sr.

Joseph Francis Ailinger, 88, of Norwood, passed away peacefully on December 19 at The Highlands Nursing Home in Fitchburg.

Born in Boston on Christmas Day, 1936, Joe was the beloved son of Jeremiah and Alice (Flynn) Ailinger. He was a proud graduate of Boston College High School. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree at Oblate College in Washington D.C., followed by a master’s degree and CAES in education both from Boston College.

Joe had planned to enter the priesthood and attended seminary, but he began a lifelong career in elementary education in Brockton, Mass., where he met his wife Frances, who was also a teacher. After a brief time as a principal in Millis, Joe moved to Memorial Elementary School in South Natick, where he served as principal from its opening day in 1970 until his retirement in 1999.

Joe was the cherished husband of Frances (Correnti) Ailinger, whom he was married to for more than 63 years. He was the proud father of three children, Joe and his wife Amy, Bob and his wife Rene, and Mark and his wife Debbie; and adored grandfather, (“grandpa”) to 10 grandchildren: Laura, Stephen, Emily Teachey and her husband Josh, Bryan and his wife Nikki, Michael and his wife Sana, Daniel, Matthew, Anastasia, Thomas and Christopher; and four great grandchildren: Maddie Teachey, Brinley Teachey, Teddy, and Rory.

Joe is survived by his three sisters, Mary Joyce, Irene Gibson and Rita Ailinger Hudock, his sister-in-law Emily Harmer, plus many nephews, nieces and cousins, including his godson Nick Harmer.

Joe, a.k.a. “Mr. A” to thousands of teachers and students, will be warmly remembered as a kind, patient and generous man who was always smiling. When not at school, Joe spent many summers as a swimming instructor at various day camps. He also taught reading to men in incarceration. Joe was a man of great faith, a devout Catholic who embodied the Church’s highest ideals. Apart from the enormous joy his family brought him, Joe loved to spend time golfing, going to the beach, and watching Boston’s sports teams, especially his beloved BC Eagles.

A Visitation will be held in St. Timothy's Church, 650 Nichols St., NORWOOD on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 10:00AM prior to the Funeral Mass at 10:30AM. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury. Arrangements are in the care of Gillooly Funeral Home, Norwood.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Joe's memory to the Most Holy Trinity Monastery, 67 Dugway Rd., Petersham, MA 01366.

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