North Attleboro High School Alumni Association

Dexter David Harmon
Honorary Alumnus
2007

Dexter Harmon worked the same Wednesday through Sunday custodial shift for 28 ½ years, spanning the tenures of six superintendents, three principals, three head custodians, several thousand students, and a handful of secretaries. Through the years, he was a true gentleman, a company guy, and a key reason why visitors to the school would frequently comment on how good the building looked. Dexter continues to live in North Attleboro, spending his retirement as a proud father, grandfather and part-time custodian at the high school.

Born in Framingham, MA, Dexter moved to North Attleboro from Pawtucket in 1945 at the tender age of nine. He attended the John Woodcock School, NA Junior High and North Attleboro HS until 1954. Then he dropped out at the end of his sophomore year to begin working at Interboro Cleaners. He worked at Interboro until 1974, and during this time he also began working part time at B & L Cleaners. In June 1975, Dexter Harmon worked his first shift at North Attleboro HS under Superintendent William Kelly, Principal Lou Kelley and Head Custodian Fred Brown.

From 1975 to 1980, Dexter also worked holidays for security and his three children—Kevin, Karen and Christine—spent plenty of hours playing in the gym and “exploring” the high school. Throughout his career, Dexter built lasting relationships and was always willing to help others. Besides his regular custodial duties, he was responsible for delivering the “packet” to school committee members before each meeting, and he never failed to drop whatever he was doing to help a teacher or coach who was carrying supplies into or out of the school.

Dexter always looked out for the best interest of the staff and students. On one occasion, while cleaning the Martin Room, Dexter noticed some snacks on the table that appeared to be left over from a meeting. Not wanting to see anything wasted, Dexter invited Rus Benson and his student group to come in and help themselves to some goodies. Soon after, Dexter learned that the meeting had not yet occurred. Dexter also invented the “lockdown”. One night, in an effort to secure the building before it got too late, Dexter locked all the doors, not knowing that an adult evening class was still in session.

Dexter Harmon was a hard working gentleman who took pride in his job and cared about the staff, students and visitors to the school. He is the epitome of what we’d like all NAHS graduates to be.