Guy A. Tardanico, Ed.D., 74, former Assistant Superintendent of Stoughton Schools, died Thursday Night, March 30 at his home surrounded by his family, under the care of Hospice of Greater Brockton. He was the husband of 51 years of Barbara L. (Norton) Tardanico. Born in Boston, to Charles and Constance (Squillante) Tardanico, he attended Boston Public schools, graduating from Boston Technical High School in 1949. He went to Boston State Teachers College, which was interrupted by a three-year enlistment in the U.S. Army. He later completed his undergraduate studies earning a Bachelor’s degree at Fitchburg State College in 1959.
Dr. Tardanico went on to earn a Master’s degree in 1970 from Boston State and a Doctorate Degree from Temple University in 1975. He touched countless lives through education.
He served in the Stoughton Public Schools from 1960, first as a teacher, then director and assistant superintendent. In his earlier years he learned the woodworking trade, which ultimately led him to his teaching career in Industrial Arts. In 1973 he was named Massachusetts Industrial Arts Teacher of the Year. He retired from education in 1985 to give full attention to his construction business. Mr. Tardanico was the President of G.E.R Real Estate Development in Raynham, a company he ran with his sons.
His love for the Stoughton Schools lured him into serving on the School Committee for several terms.
He had affiliations with several academic and civic organizations:
Massachusetts Teachers’ Association, Charter President of Mass. Association of Directors of Occupational Education Epsilon PeTare, National Honor Society of Industrial Arts and Vocational Education, Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, Past President of St. Mary’s Holy Name Society, Past President of U. S. Junior Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, Veterans’ of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Vets.
His love for boating and the sea drew him into the Coast Guard Auxiliary where he became Flotilla Commander of the Cape Cod Canal Chapter. He was a longtime summer resident of West Dennis and a member and past commodore of the West Dennis Yacht Club. Most recently he obtained his sea captain’s license.
He was the father of Stephen T. of Carver MA, Debora DiBiasie of Saugus MA, Jeffrey P. of Stoughton, MA, James M. of E. Taunton, MA, Helene M. Doherty of N. Easton, MA, Paula A. Tully of E. Taunton, MA, Christine M. Cicero of N. Merrick, NY, Marie E. Kjelgaard of W. Bridgewater, MA and Neil J. of Middleborough. Mr. Tardanico was the brother of Sara Mungle of Virginia, Annmarie Bannister of Littleton, MA, Charles W. of Osterville, MA and the late Philip J. Tardanico. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.
Funeral Mass will be held from the Immaculate Conception Church, 122 Canton St. Stoughton on Monday, April 3 at 10:15 AM. Visiting Hours will be held from the Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park St. (Rt. 27) Stoughton on Sunday 2-6 PM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Guy’s name may be made to Hospice of Greater Brockton, 500 Belmont St., Brockton, 02301 or Immaculate Conception Church Restoration Fund, 122 Canton St., Stoughton, 02072.