Sturbridge: John F. Canavan, 92, long time school administrator and retired Dudley-Charlton Superintendent passed away on January 10, 2023.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Lucille (Keane) Canavan. He also leaves his children, Mary Canavan Contompasis and her husband Stephen, Patricia Canavan and William O'Mara, John and Ellen Canavan, Paul and Cheryl Canavan, Michael Canavan, eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Kathleen McKay of Holyoke. He was predeceased by his brothers, Thomas, David, James, and Philip.  John was born in Amherst, MA to Frank and Katherine Canavan.

He graduated from Amherst College and had graduate degrees from University of Massachusetts and Springfield College.

John had a lifelong career improving education systems at the local and state level in Massachusetts and Connecticut.  John began his career at Hardwick High School where he was a teacher and principal.  He then became principal at Gateway Regional High School in Huntington, Rham Regional High School in Hebron, CT and Tantasqua Regional High School in Sturbridge, MA.  John was the first Superintendent of the Dudley/Charlton Regional School System.  He held numerous roles in the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents and in the accreditation process for numerous schools as part of the New England Association of School and College program.

John was active in the community including serving as a trustee of Old Sturbridge Village, etc. and an active parishioner at St. Anne's and St. Patrick's Parish in Sturbridge.

His funeral will be held on Saturday, Jan. 14 ^th , at 10:00am in St. Anne Church, 16 Church St., Sturbridge.  Burial will be in St. Anne's Cemetery, Sturbridge.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Anne / St. Patrick Parish, 16 Church St., Fiskdale, MA 01518.

The Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, is directing arrangements.