North Attleboro High School Alumni Association

John Ventura
Honorary Alumni Award
2024

Born in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1956, John Ventura's life journey took an early detour when his family relocated to Pawtucket, R.I., in 1962. This move seamlessly intertwined his roots between his parents' hometowns, setting the stage for a life dedicated to service and community.

John's educational voyage began in Pawtucket schools, but it was in September 1975 that his enduring connection with North Attleboro High School (NAHS) commenced. Starting as a long-term substitute custodian, John's steadfast dedication and work ethic led to a full-time position in November 1976. This marked the inception of a remarkable 42-year career at NAHS, where he held diverse roles ranging from custodial floater, night and day shift custodian to food service truck driver, paint crew foreman, groundskeeper, and, ultimately, the esteemed position of supervisor of custodial services until his well-earned retirement in July 2017.

Family, for John, has always been at the forefront of his life. His cherished nucleus includes his children Stephanie and Michael, son-in-law Jason, daughter-in-law Laura, and the apples of his eye, grandchildren Ava and John. Post-retirement, John embraced new horizons, delving into woodworking, enjoying rounds of golf, savoring leisurely dog walks, sharing family lunches, assisting his daughter, and extending a helping hand to friends and family with various projects.

As an integral part of the NAHS community, John's tenure is adorned with fond memories and proud moments. From a humorous truck incident involving the school's athletic director to weathering Hurricane Gloria while transforming NAHS into an emergency shelter, his narrative is punctuated by tales of collaboration, resilience, and community spirit. Notably, he orchestrated the setup of the Vietnam Moving Wall. He took pride in his 31-year commitment to setting the stage and stands for graduation, providing a memorable platform for over 6,000 NAHS alumni to receive their diplomas.

John acknowledges the countless mentors and colleagues who played pivotal roles in shaping his NAHS experience. His commitment to maintaining the highest standards for the school's facilities echoes his deep sense of responsibility for creating a safe and conducive environment for learning and growth. For John, what made NAHS truly special was the camaraderie and collective dedication to the well-being of the students. His legacy underscores the profound impact an individual dedicated to nurturing an environment of growth, learning, and community welfare can have on an educational institution. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, John Ventura received the 2024 Honorary Alumni Award from the North Attleboro High School Alumni Association, solidifying his place in the rich tapestry of NAHS history.