The Minuteman Regional Technical School District regrets to report the passing of former superintendent Dr. Ronald J. Fitzgerald. He was 88 years old and lived in Acton.

Dr. Fitzgerald was the superintendent of Minuteman from 1976-2004 – the longest-serving superintendent in the district’s history. Prior to Minuteman, he served as superintendent and a science teacher in Amherst, Mass., and was a U.S. Army veteran.

“The Minuteman community is saddened by the passing of Dr. Fitzgerald. His vision, dedication, and hard work helped countless students,” said Minuteman Superintendent-Director Dr. Kathleen A. Dawson. “Dr. Fitzgerald’s leadership propelled Minuteman to become the leader it is today in career technical education. We share our deepest condolences with his family and loved ones.”

Teachers and staff who worked with Dr. Fitzgerald recall the tremendous impact he had on the district.

“I believe our positive reputation today dates back to his philosophies and innovation,” said Cindy DeMaio, a cosmetology teacher. “He was kind, compassionate, and probably the hardest-working individual I’ve ever met.”

John Fusco, a math teacher and basketball coach, remembered Dr. Fitzgerald’s embrace of the “brain-based learning” theory and taking a student-centered approach to education.

“He was cutting edge back then,” Fusco said. “He was ahead of his time.”

“Evidence-based learning is big in teaching now, but it wasn’t back then,” DeMaio said. “He was an innovator in career technical education for sure.”

Read his full online obituary, which includes visiting and memorial hours.