John (Jack) R. Dalton of Amherst, beloved husband, father, Poppy, friend and educator, entered eternal rest in the loving embrace of his family at home on January 31, 2023 at 93 years of age.

Born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, John was predeceased by parents, Theresa and William Dalton and siblings Jane Brothers of Worcester and William Dalton of Woonsocket, Rhode Island.  

Jack was a family man, always having the best interests of his wife, children and grandchildren in mind.  He is survived by his four children, nine grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and sister in-law:  John Dalton of Sydney, Australia (Kelsey Dalton and Ian: Thea; Reed Dalton) David Dalton and wife Lynn of Golden, Colorado (Hilary Freeman and Patrick: Charlie and Margaret; Matt Dalton and Alexis): Patricia Kozlowski and husband Paul of Lunenburg, MA (Emily Kozlowski; Jacob Kozlowski and Amanda) and Ann Mackay and husband Rob of Berlin, MA (Ryan MacKay and Rachel: Tyler; Alex MacKay and Kathryn; Cory MacKay and Alekxis); Joanne Connell of East Providence, RI. 

Education is Jack’s legacy.  It was something that changed his life. He and Kathy made sure that each of their children and grandchildren had the opportunity to go to college.  Always believing that the best investment you could make was in yourself. 

Jack graduated from La Salle Academy Class of 1947.  He then served on the USS Kearsarge in the United States Navy stationed out of Quonset Point, Rhode Island and was honorably discharged in 1949.  He attended Providence College and graduated in 1953.

Jack started his career in education teaching at St. Paul’s School in Covington, Louisiana where he taught English and coached basketball and tennis.  He returned to Rhode Island the following year to marry the love of his life, Kathleen Connell with whom he shared 67 years of marriage until her death last year. Jack’s teaching career brought them to Lowville and then Syracuse, New York where he earned his master’s degree in education.  After teaching in Glens Falls, they settled in Amherst to raise their four children where he taught sixth grade before he became the beloved Principal of Fort River School. 

Mr. Dalton, as he was called at Fort River, was known to many as “the wind beneath their wings.”  He was an incredible leader and mentor to his Fort River family.  A man who was respected, admired and loved.  There are many who feel their entire life trajectory would have been different without his stewardship.  The Fort River playground was dedicated to him upon his retirement.

He was a recipient of the Dakin Community Service Award and was a founding member of the Long Plain Nature Center Planning Board.

Jack had a quick wit coupled with a genuine interest for others that made people enjoy being with him.  He was a fun and loyal friend.

As an avid lover of the outdoors, Jack enjoyed fly-fishing, cross-country skiing and was a Legends member at Amherst Golf Club and the Hampshire Fitness Club. 

Jack and Kathy moved to Greenleaves in Amherst, an independent retirement community, in 2010 after selling their home of 45 years in Orchard Valley.  Jack and Kathy were blessed to live at home together for all of their days. Greenleaves was a wonderful place for them with many kind and caring friends and neighbors.  They were supported by an amazing care team that allowed them to experience the best quality of life and find joy in each day.  We extend our deepest gratitude to the care team of Mary Jane Scott, Nangsel Tenzin, Layannie Haydon-Mayer, Sara Rider, Esther Bedford and Rosio Soledad Younga Lazo who provided loving and exceptional care.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Newman Center on Monday, February 20th at 10:30 am.  Burial will be private.  In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Cooley Dickinson Hospice in recognition of the outstanding and compassionate care provided by Charlene Vinton and Karen Hill. Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com