Southington Mourns Loss Of Former Top School Official

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The town last week mourned the recent passing of one of its former top school officials with a moment of silence.

The Southington Town Council May 12, paid homage to former Southington Superintendent of Schools Joseph Erardi, who died May 8 of cancer at 69.

Born in Hartford and raised in Manchester, Erardi embarked on a long education career that included a stint as Southington's school chief from 2006 to 2014, when he left to lead the Newtown School District.

After continuing that district's recovery from the horrific 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Erardi retired from education in 2017.

Southington Town Council Chairman Paul Chaplinsky paid homage to Erardi at the start of last week's council meeting.

"Dr. Erardi was an outstanding superintendent," Chaplinsky said. "He led courageously. He was liked by so many.

"He was a collaborator, an intellect, and somebody the town was sad to see go when he decided to take on a new challenge and move on to Newtown after the tragedy," Chaplinsky said.

"He was very highly praised for the work in Newtown. To bring that town from the tragedy to where they are today."

For the minutes of the May 12 Southington Town Council meeting, click on this link.

From Jan. 17, 2014: 'Let the Search Begin: Joseph Erardi Will Be Next Newtown Superintendent'

For Joseph Erardi's obituary, click on this link.