Albert F. Argenziano's Obituary
Albert F. Argenziano passed away on June 3, 2023 at the age of 82.
Professionally, he was a School Superintendent, principal, teacher, coach, forklift operator, driving instructor, butcher and grocery delivery boy. Personally, he was a husband, father, friend, mentor and all-around good guy.
Whether you knew him as Chip, Al, Dr. A. or Dr. Al, you were always met with attention and kindness. An avid reader, devout New York Yankees and the University of Alabama football fan, he’ll be remembered for his love of family traditions and holiday celebrations. His unique dancing style, storytelling and quick wit were a huge part of his engaging personality.
For a kid from the streets of Lawrence, Al had world-wide adventures during his career and in his private life. He was educated at Central Catholic High School, Suffolk University and Salem State University. He received his Doctorate in Education from the University of Alabama.
Al began his career in education as a teacher in the Methuen and Masconomet Regional School Districts. Next, he took his family to Solen, North Dakota on Standing Rock Indian Reservation as a K-12 Principal. He then returned to Massachusetts to serve in various capacities in the Silver Lake Regional School District: Assistant High School Principal, Principal and Assistant Superintendent. Al later broadened the family’s horizons as the Director General/Superintendent of the Department of State affiliated American School Foundation of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Returning from abroad, he served the Lawrence Public Schools as Assistant Superintendent. Then, until his retirement, he was Superintendent of the Somerville Public Schools, where you now find the Dr. Albert F. Argenziano School at Lincoln Park named in his honor.
After retirement, Al continued in both teaching and administrative capacities as an adjunct professor at Endicott College, preparing more than 800 future school administrators for licensure. Marblehead Charter School had him on board, as did Beverly Public Schools as their interim Superintendent. Additionally, he served the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability as Director of District Services, advising school districts on improving educational outcomes.
All his work and personal travels took him to Europe and Latin America. He mentored and touched the hearts of thousands of educators, students, parents and dear friends.
Predeceased by his parents, Albert and Angelina (Morgani) Argenziano, he leaves behind his wife, Dorothy “Dot” (Kobos) Argenziano, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage and four years of dating as high school sweethearts. He also leaves their four sons, Jon, Mark, Gregg (deceased) and Jeff; as well as his brother-in-law, Fr. Martin J. Kobos, OFM Conv.. Additionally, he’ll be missed by his cousins and so many dear friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Al on October 14, 2023, at Sons of Italy Lodge, #902 at 459 Merrimack St., Methuen, MA 01844, from 1 to 4pm. RSVP to [email protected] as space is limited. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Somerville High School Scholarship Foundation: SHSSF, PO Box 440275, Somerville, MA 02144. For more information visit shsscholarship.org. Please specify, “In Memory of Dr. Albert F. Argenziano.” To send an online condolence, visit www. pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Argenziano Family.
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