John J. Aherne, Ed.D.

Beloved husband of Elena (Materia) Aherne; married nearly 49 years and sweethearts since age 12. Loving father of Kristelle Gill and her husband Dr. Brian Gill of Pembroke, Elyce Iribarren and her husband Emilio of Hanover and Meredith Joseph and her husband Jean Gardy of Medfield. Cherished Papa of Isabella, Jack, Hudson, Nina, Ana, Benjamin, Sebastian and Vera. Brother of Elene Chearney of Maryland, Mary and John Boucher of Pembroke and Patricia and Richard Weir of New Hampshire. He was preceded in death by his parents Mary and Charles Aherne. He is survived by many loved nieces and nephews. 

Born in Brockton in 1949, Jack attended Weymouth High School and graduated with a B.S. from Boston State College; M.Ed., Bridgewater State College; C.A.G.S., Northeastern University; Ed.D., University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Jack was a life-long educator. He began his career teaching history at South Junior High School in Weymouth. He then moved to Silver Lake for 15 years as an Assistant Principal, Principal, and Assistant Superintendent. In 1992, Jack became the Superintendent of Abington Public Schools and remained there until his retirement in 2007. Jack was a Professor of Educational Leadership at Boston College Lynch School of Education and an Adjunct Lecturer at Endicott College. In partnership with the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, Jack mentored emerging administrators, including many superintendents on the South Shore. Jack will be remembered as a true leader, both fair and diplomatic. 

Jack loved the outdoors and sports. Summers of his youth were spent as a lifeguard at Wessagusset Beach. As a father and grandfather, he could often be found working in his yard or teaching his own children and grandchildren how to swim. Jack also loved coaching softball, soccer and basketball. 

In retirement, Jack enjoyed spending time with his family, watching his grandchildren play sports and vacationing with his family in Vermont, Ireland and Disney World. He had many treasured friendships made throughout his youth and forged during his professional and parenting years.  

Guests are welcome to walk through and pay their respects on Thursday, January 28th at Sullivan Funeral Home, 551 Washington Street, Hanover, MA. Due to Covid, we invite guests 65+ and those with underlying conditions to come between 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. All other guests are welcome from 4:00 – 7:00pm. We will be observing MA Covid guidelines. Funeral services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in honor of Dr. John Aherne '75 by donating to the Dr. George Aherne '27 and Charles Aherne '34 Scholarship at the Bridgewater State University Foundation. Checks should be made payable to the "BSU Foundation", with a note that indicates the gift is for the Dr. George Aherne '27 and Charles Aherne '34 Scholarship, in honor of Dr. John Aherne '75. Gifts may also be made online at https://alumni.bridgew.edu/BSUFund, by selecting the "Dr. George Aherne '27 and Charles Aherne '34 Sch." from the dropdown menu."