George T. Ladd

George Thomas Ladd, Sr. passed away on September 10, 2026, at the age of 85. He will be remembered as a kind, generous man whose enthusiasm for life touched everyone who knew him.

George grew up on a farm in Scriba, New York, a small town on the shore of Lake Ontario, with his parents, Lloyd and Hattie Ladd, and his older sister, Jean. He attended a rural one-room schoolhouse before moving on to a regional high school, where his curiosity and love of learning—especially in science—began to flourish. His warm, outgoing nature was a lifelong trait that helped him form meaningful connections with people wherever he went.

Just after his sixteenth birthday, George enrolled at the State University of New York at Oswego to study science education. During college he was active in Greek life as a member of Delta Kappa Kappa (DKK), participated in numerous clubs, and played baseball, tennis, and swimming. Most importantly, he met his future wife, Carol Ann Ferrara, at Oswego State. They remained devoted and deeply in love partners for the rest of their lives.

After graduating in 1962, George began teaching science in the public schools and married Carol in 1964. They both taught in the Oswego County area until George accepted an offer to pursue graduate studies at Indiana University in Bloomington. The couple moved to Bloomington, where George worked toward his doctorate in education (Ed.D.), focusing on geology and science education, while Carol taught elementary school in a nearby town.

Their first son, George Jr., was born in Bloomington. A year later, after completing his doctorate, George accepted a joint assistant professorship in the School of Education and the Department of Geology at Boston College. George and Carol moved to Natick, Massachusetts, in 1969, where they purchased a small colonial on Curve Street. Soon after, they welcomed their second son, Greg, followed by their third son, John. With three boys—GT, Greg, and John—their lives were full, joyful, and deeply rooted in family.

At Boston College, George devoted himself to teaching, science education, and community engagement. He trained future teachers to embrace experiential, hands-on learning and to see the world beyond the classroom walls. He collaborated with colleagues to write elementary science textbooks that encouraged curiosity, experimentation, and accessibility. His work with parents, teachers, and civic leaders—including the College Bound Program—provided mentorship and guidance to vulnerable children, helping steer them toward ambitious educational opportunities. When he retired in 2005, Professor George Ladd left behind a 36-year legacy of inspiring and mentoring generations of students, teachers, and school administrators.

As parents, George and Carol were devoted to the happiness and well-being of their children. Their love was unconditional, and their enthusiasm boundless. George cherished being a father. He volunteered at his children’s schools, helped with their projects and hobbies, took them fishing and boating, coached their sports teams, and drove them to practices on hectic schedules. Just as important as the time he gave, George was emotionally present—offering tenderness, empathy, and kindness as core parts of who he was. With summers free from teaching, he treasured every moment he could spend with his wife and children. He remained a steady foundation of love for his adult sons and for his five beloved grandchildren.

George was also a loyal friend and good neighbor to the many people he came to know in Natick, Sudbury, at Queen Lake, at Boston College, and throughout his life. His positive energy, humor, charm, and genuine loyalty made him a joy to be around. He loved spending time with friends—working on home projects, playing cards, socializing, golfing, playing softball or tennis, hosting gatherings at his lake house, or simply sharing a beer and conversation.

George is predeceased by his father, Lloyd; his mother, Hattie; his sister, Jean Wilson; his brother-in-law, Roger Del Percio; and his niece, Bianca Piemonte. The love of his life, his wife of 61 years, Carol, passed away nearly two years ago. Together, George and Carol leave a legacy of love carried on by their three sons: GT and his wife, Lisa; Greg and his wife, Barrett; and John; and by their five cherished grandchildren: Cameron, George III, Connor, Megan, and Taylor. George also leaves his sisters-in-law, Irene Del Percio and Terry Del Percio-Piemonte, along with her husband, David Piemonte, and four nieces and three nephews.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of George’s Life on Sunday, October 11th, at the Marlborough Country Club (200 Concord Road, Marlborough, MA). The gathering will begin at 12:30 p.m. with food, socializing, and remarks from family, concluding at 3:30 PM