William C. Lannon, Jr., age 93, of Winchester, formerly of Haverhill, MA, passed away peacefully at Oosterman’s Rest Home, Melrose, MA on January 25, 2026, where he was lovingly cared for by the angelic staff. He was the loving husband of the late Rosemarie Amedeo Lannon.
Born in Worcester, raised in Bridgeport, CT, Bill was the son of the late William C. and Mary C. (Kelley) Lannon, Sr. He attended Saint Augustine’s Catholic School, graduated from Fairfield Prep Class of 1950 and Fairfield University Class of 1954 studying English. He obtained his master’s degree in education from the University of Bridgeport.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Germany during the Korean conflict. Upon discharge, he returned to Connecticut and worked his entire career in the field of public education. Beginning as an elementary school teacher in Connecticut and New York, he progressed in his career as an administrator for many public-school districts throughout New England, culminating years of service with his last tenure as the Superintendent of Schools for Cambridge, MA.
His love for community and educational opportunity for all allowed him to open the first Headstart program to Danielson, Connecticut soon after it became federal law. He gave his life’s work to desegregation during tumultuous times in the 1970’s and into the 1980’s in Cambridge MA, creating, fostering, and launching consensus and equity in education for all children in the city. He was the creator of school choice in Cambridge which alleviated the impact of busing across the school district in the city. Bill was honored by the School Committee of Cambridge as they made tribute to his work with a display of a plaque at Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School, at which he oversaw the construction during his tenure.
In his spare time, Bill enjoyed sailing, golfing, gardening, and spending time with his family. During his retirement years he shared his love of education specifically with his two daughters Cathy and Kelley and was an invited guest to their respective classrooms performing his magic tricks for the young students they taught, creating wonder and awe. Bill had many adventures, from camping and skiing in Maine to life threatening tumultuous adventures on the sea with his children! (man, overboard drills!) He especially loved driving his golf cart around North Fields, his neighborhood he shared with his wife Rosemarie.
Bill is survived by his former wife of 25 years, Catherine G. Lannon, and their children and grandchildren; Catherine Howley and her husband Gary of Brooklyn, CT, Liz Lannon, widow of son Christopher of Wiscasset ME, William C. Lannon, III and wife Deborah of Hamilton, MA, Terrence P. Lannon and wife Leslie, of Rockport, MA, Frank G. Lannon and wife Monica of Oakland, CA, John D. Lannon of Danvers, MA, Kelley Lannon and husband David of Sebastopol, CA and MaryEllen Marshall and husband Steven of Winchester, MA. He was predeceased by his eldest son Christopher F. Lannon.
He was the devoted grandfather “Grandpa” of 19: Ryan, Adam, Collin, Ian, Erica, Michael, Cayce, Will, Dane, Sophie, Jake, Ava, Dan, Cory, Alexandra, Grace, Grant, Luke, and Madeleine. and great-grandfather of 10: Bastien, Caroline, Liam, Mason, Aiden, Finn, Oliva, Amelia, Jack, and Welles.
Bill was also the dear brother of the late John A. Lannon and his wife Pat, and the brother-in-law to Robert Palange and Judy Palange. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for Visiting Hours at the Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington St., Winchester, on Friday, January 30 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and again on Saturday, January 31 at 9AM, followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, 155 Washington St., Winchester, at 10AM. Burial with military honors will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Winchester.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to CERE Foundation for Eye Research https://www.cere-foundation.org