Albert F. Argenziano
Albert F. Argenziano, a director general of the American School Foundation of Guadalajara in the 1980s, died June 3, at the age of 82.
Brought up in Lawrence County, Alabama, Al 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.
He then broadened his family’s horizons, moving to Mexico and working from 1981 to 1989 as the director general/superintendent of the U.S. Department of State affiliated American School Foundation of Guadalajara.
Returning from Mexico, 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.
An avid reader, devout New York Yankees and University of Alabama football fan, Al will 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. He mentored and touched the hearts of thousands of educators, students, parents and dear friends.
Al 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.
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 4 p.m. To send an online condolence, visit pollardfuneralhome.com.