March 6, 1951 – June 11, 2025
Dr. John P. “Jack” Calareso, Ph.D., a cherished husband, loving father, doting grandfather, and devoted leader in Catholic and liberal arts education, passed away on June 11, 2025, at the age of 74 after a brief illness. His family is grateful to the staff at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center for their compassionate care as well as the members of the Reading Fire Department for their service and support.
Dr. Jack was born in 1951 in Boston, and though his address changed many times over the years, his spirit never left the Town where he was born. He grew up with an insatiable curiosity, clever wit, and an unceasing spirit for life that was reflected in all of his interactions. He met the love of his life, Rose C. Skradski, a native of Kansas City, Kansas, while each was on their college junior year abroad attending Loyola University in Rome, Italy. Their whirlwind romance led to a marriage that lasted 53 years, marked by a steadfast partnership, mutual respect, common faith, and devotion to their family.
Jack was a proud father to his son Jack (JulieAnn), daughter Anne Marie Sousa (Steve), and son Jeff (Michelle-Nicholle). Throughout his life, he never missed an opportunity to express his pride in each of them and in their successes. The greatest of which were the families they’ve built. Dr. Grandpa delighted in the accomplishments, laughter, and adventures of his six grandchildren—Josephine, Dominic, Amalia, Jacinta, Paxton, and Rivers—who knew him as a source of adventure, thoughtful guidance, joy, wisdom, and constant silliness.
Jack’s professional journey was defined by excellence and service. After attending The Roxbury Latin School, he received a B.A. in English and Theology from Boston College. He then earned an M.A. in Theology and Scripture from St. Bernard’s School of Theology and achieved his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership & Administration from Marquette University.
Jack’s remarkable career spanned over five decades, profoundly impacting the lives of thousands of students, educators, faculty, and communities across the country. His professional journey as an educational administrator began when he served as Director of Education at St. Ambrose School in Rochester, New York, and Blessed Sacrament School in Madison, Wisconsin. Thereafter, he served as the Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin, for seven years during which time he earned his Ph.D. whereupon he pivoted from K-12 education to higher education. He served in multiple higher education leadership positions from 1989 until 2018 beginning with Vice President and Provost roles at the College of St. Rose (Albany, NY) and Merrimack College (Andover, MA), followed by stints as President of Briar Cliff University (Sioux City, IA), Ohio Dominican University (Columbus, OH), Anna Maria College (Paxton, MA), and St. Joseph’s College (Brooklyn & Patchogue, NY), finally retiring his full-time work from Laboure College (Milton, MA). Most recently, Jack contributed his expansive leadership experience as a Senior Consultant with Hyatt-Fennell, recruiting and advising a new generation of higher education leaders.
Throughout his tenure in higher education, Jack was known for compelling academic innovation and institutional growth. He led the schools he served to new heights: implementing strategic and operational plans, launching new programs, overseeing successful accreditation processes, increasing enrollment and retention, leading major fundraising and capital campaigns, and establishing centers to address issues of social justice, ethics, and civic engagement. His efforts resulted in record-setting fundraising and landmark gifts that continue to benefit students at the institutions he served and will do so for generations. Though routinely lauded for his professional accomplishments, Jack’s greatest reward was mentoring young leaders, expanding educational access for students, and nurturing faith-based communities. He believed in servant leadership and embodied that concept throughout his career.
Jack also taught both undergraduate and graduate courses in leadership, religious studies, civic engagement, planning and assessment, and more. He was a beloved professor and mentor, remembered for his wisdom and unwavering commitment to student success. He set a high bar for himself and those around him, demanding the very best out of a genuine belief in people’s potential.
A prolific writer and thought leader, Jack authored numerous editorial and opinion pieces on higher education, civic engagement, and Catholic education, published in outlets such as The Worcester Telegram & Gazette and The Columbus Dispatch. He contributed many scholarly articles and book chapters, and was a popular speaker at academic, professional, and community conferences nationwide.
Jack was not only a leader in academia but also deeply involved in broader civic and philanthropic endeavors, serving on countless boards and advisory committees—including multiple chambers of commerce, hospital boards, the United Way, educational foundations, and professional associations. He chaired the Higher Education Consortium of Central Massachusetts and was active in national groups such as the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities and the Society of College and University Planning. His service reflected his passionate belief in the power of education to effect positive change in individuals and society.
Though his professional accomplishments were many, Jack was happiest cheering for his beloved Red Sox, visiting the ocean with his family, reading countless detective novels from the public library, and gathering for meals accompanied by laughter and spirited conversation. Jack and Rose cherished their travels together throughout Italy, returning frequently to the country where their love story began, delighting in its culture and cuisine. Jack also enjoyed attending the opera – at the Met or in the movie theater in later years. His passion for Boston’s professional sports teams and the Boston College Eagles, his boundless love of the sea, his appreciation for opera, and his deep faith guided him through life’s challenges and triumphs alike.
Jack’s presence was a gift, and his impact profound. He is already dearly missed by Rose, his children, grandchildren, friends, colleagues, and all whose lives he touched and inspired.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to calling hours on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Douglass, Edgerley, and Bessom Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn Street (corner of Woburn St.), Reading, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Athanasius Church 300 Haverhill St., Reading, MA, on Thursday, June 19 at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Forest Glen Cemetery in Reading,
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Jack’s honor to the Mission of Deeds at https://www.missionofdeeds.org/donate-funds/ or A Faith That Does Justice at https://faith-justice.org/donate/
