The Newtown Bee has learned of the death of Dr Joseph V. Erardi Jr, 69, former Superintendent of Newtown Public Schools.

Dr Erardi passed away peacefully with his family at his side after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. The online obituary was published May 9, but does not include the date of his death.

Dr Erardi graduated with distinction in 1977 from Central Connecticut State College, where he earned a health/physical education degree. He later earned his Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership at University of Hartford.

Dr Erardi dedicated his life to public service as a teacher, coach, administrator, superintendent, and college professor for 45 years. His career began in 1977 in his hometown of Manchester, where he was recognized for more than a decade as a highly successful teacher and coach.

In 1994 Dr Erardi transitioned into administration and served as the principal of both Killingly and Rockville high schools.

In 2000, Dr Erardi began the first of four school superintendent positions, serving in that post in Bolton (2000-04), Watertown (2004-07), Southington (2007-14), and then Newtown (2014-17). He retired in July 2017.

Among his many career accolades for academic and sports leadership, Dr Erardi was named 2017 Superintendent of the Year by Connecticut Association of Boards of Education/Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CABE/CAPSS) Convention.

He was also named 2016 Newtown Paul Harris Rotary Award, which recognizes outstanding community service; a recipient of the 2016 Outstanding School Administrator award by the Executive Board of the Connecticut Association of School Based Health Centers; and the 2016 CT PTA Superintendent of the Year.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sue; a son and daughter-in-law, and a daughter and son-in-law; two grandchildren; and two sisters and their husbands.

Services will be private. Those wishing to recognize Joe may do so by donating to St Jude’s, where 100% of a donation will go to cancer research for children.