JOHN HENRY BALL

JOHN H. BALL, 92, retired Director of the West Bay Vocational-Technical School, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday, May 8, 2025. He was the husband of the late Madeline D. (DiMeglio) Ball, the late Agnes C. (Norcross) Ball, and the companion of the late Kathy Collins. Born in Warwick, RI he was a son of the late Montague S. and Gertrude (Gorman) Ball. John was the caring father of Robert J. Ball and Kathy of Warwick, Cheryl L. Daley and Tom of West Warwick, James J. Ball and his wife Sue of Coventry, Stephanie L. Ball and Frank of Coventry, and Joseph J. Ball and his wife Chorong of South Korea. John the adoring grandfather of  Michael, Christopher, Kristina, Joshua, Erica, Rachael, Ryan, Olivia and Jaxon; and the great-grandfather of Malakhi, Rohan, Larkin, Aurora, and one more expected soon. John was the brother of the late Charles L. Ball, Earl E. Ball, G. Delcie Maney, Virginia B. Hulme, Mary G. Woods, Anna M. Quirk, Margaret A. Brown, and Elizabeth M. Powell.

This excerpt from the Coventry High School Alumni Association when Mr. Ball was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013:
John Ball has dedicated most of his adult life to vocational-technical education and to improving career opportunities for young people. John earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Rhode Island, and a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Connecticut along with a C.A.G.S. in educational administration.

John began his teaching career at Coventry High School in 1957 as a vocational agriculture teacher and after ten years of motivating students was appointed Director of the West Bay Vocational-Technical School where he served from 1967-1990. John provided exceptional leadership and support for vocational education. During this period, John played a major role in many initiatives including the Alternative Learning Program, Rhode Island Distinguished Merit Program, the first vocational satellite program in an industrial setting, the “Time About Program”, along with many others. John is revered in the world of vocational-technical education for his knowledge, his achievements, and his sense of humor. He certainly is viewed as one of the most respected educators in the State of Rhode Island.

After his retirement, John continued to work in the education field serving in a number of interim positions including Adjunct Professor at Johnson & Wales University, Director/Vice-Principal of the Davies Career & Technical High school in Lincoln, Vice Principal at Smithfield High School, and Interim Director of the Newport Vocational-Technical Center. John was also active with the New England Association of Schools & Colleges serving as chairman of the Commission of Career & Technical Institutions for two years.

In addition to his educational leadership, John has been active in many civic organizations including the Pawtuxet Valley Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus, Rhode Island Principals Association, and the Anthony Grange. He is currently a member of the Coventry Library Foundation and President of the Board of Trustees. He is also a member of the Rhode Island FFA Association. 

John’s impact on his community and on the youth of the State of Rhode Island cannot be measured. His active lifestyle, commitment to his community and to the education of our youth continues to inspire others. For all the reasons stated above, John Ball is most deserving of induction into the CHS Hall of Fame.

John, a health and fitness enthusiast, competed successfully in thirteen marathons over the years.

His Funeral will be on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 8:45 am from the Iannotti Funeral Home at MAPLE ROOT, 2000 Nooseneck Hill Rd.,(95/exit 18/Rte.3) Coventry, with a Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am in Saint Vincent de Paul Church, 6 St. Vincent de Paul St., Coventry, RI 02816. Interment with Military Honors in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Greenwich. Visiting hours are on Monday, May 12, 2025 from 4 pm - 7 pm In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Vincent de Paul Church. iannottifh.com

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