Albert A. Lahood Sr.

Albert A. Lahood Sr. passed away peacefully at his home in Andover on Thursday, July 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Al was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend, he was highly respected as an educator, coach, and community member. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and the many students whose lives he touched over the years, but his memory will live on for generations.
Born to immigrant parents, the late Abraham and Angele (Mecsas) Lahood, from Lebanon, Al learned the importance of family early as his mother passed away when he was very young. "Auntie Eva" from Lebanon moved in to help her brother raise him and his four siblings. As the eldest, Al felt the responsibility and privilege of being able to help the family by earning money through various jobs he took before and after school, including being a paper boy and delivering ice.
After graduating from Lawrence High School, Class of 1951, Al went on to Hofstra University in New York where he joined the Army ROTC program, was an All-American College Athlete in both football and lacrosse and was inducted into the Hofstra University Athletic Hall of Fame. Al earned his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees, was commissioned as a 2d Lieutenant in the Ordinance Corps and then began his teaching career in Bethpage NY. There he launched and coached what has become to be considered as one of the most highly successful lacrosse programs in the Northeast. During these years, Al also worked as a lifeguard at Jones Beach, where he saved multiple lives (ask one of his kids and they'll tell you the stories).
When Al moved back to Massachusetts he joined the Reading School system. There he began his career as a history teacher, became a Guidance Counselor, and then was appointed as the Coolidge Middle School Principal. He remained in this position for 20 years, during which time he earned the prestigious title of Principal of the Year for the State of Massachusetts. After retiring in 1994, Al spent the next 10 years working for the Massachusetts Department of Education.
Al and Linda met on a blind date and spent the next 45 years together enjoying life and raising a beautiful family. Al loved to travel with Linda and enjoyed beach days, dancing and playing MANY games of cards. He was proud of his Lebanese Heritage and one of his favorite past times was playing the Lebanese version of backgammon "Tawleh" with his sons, especially on the days when the family gathered to prepare traditional Arabic meals. He always said, "Family Comes First" and he lived by those words. It was a life well lived.
Al is survived by Linda M. (Lodico) Lahood, his loving wife of 42 years, their four children: Albert Jr. and his wife Laura Lahood of Merrick, NY, Mark and his wife Nicole Lahood of Andover, MA, Deanne and her husband Shaun Ready of Amesbury, MA and Joyce Holland and her fiancée Mike Torname of York, ME. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Lex, Alex, Abe, Ben, Ali, Kaitlin, Madeline, Catherine, Teresa, Kyle, Parker, Colton, Jillian and Olivia; as well as his two sisters, Adeline Keamy and Charlotte Diharce and many nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him dearly. Al was pre-deceased by his brother Joseph Lahood and sister Sally Lahood.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Al's memory to the American Heart Association via heart.org or the Alzheimer's Association via alzfdn.org
Family and friends are invited to attend Calling Hours on Thursday, July 17, 2025 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street, Methuen. His Funeral Service will begin at 7:00 pm in the Funeral Home Chapel.
The family will hold a celebration of life at a later date.