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Former Central Mass Asst Principal, Harvard Grad Dies From Medical Emergency While On Vacation

A 74-year-old former Worcester Public Schools teacher and administrator died last week after suffering a medical emergency while on vacation in Mexico, a fundraiser said. 

John McFadden, a former assistant principal at South High Community School in Worcester, died last week after suffering a traumatic brain injury while on vacation in Cancun, Mexico, his family said.

John McFadden, a former assistant principal at South High Community School in Worcester, died last week after suffering a traumatic brain injury while on vacation in Cancun, Mexico, his family said.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of GoFundMe

John McFadden, of Paxton, died Friday, March 3, after being airlifted from Cancun to UMass Medical Center in Worcester, his family wrote in a GoFundMe. They wrote McFadden suffered a stroke and took a hard fall, causing a traumatic brain injury. He underwent emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain. 

They wrote he died surrounded by his family after returning to the United States. 

The fundraiser will help cover his medical bills and funeral costs. His family wrote that the surgery and care he received outside of the country were not covered by his insurance company. 

So far, the campaign has raised nearly $25,000 of its $75,000 goal as of Monday, March 6. 

McFadden was a former US Marine during the Vietnam War who spent his career in the Worcester Public School system as a teacher and administrator, according to his obituary. He retired as an Assistant Principal at South High Community School and cared deeply for children and helped them seize their potential through education, his family said. 

McFadden practiced what he preached. He was a lifelong learner who held degrees from UMass — Amherst, Worcester State College, and Harvard University, his obit said. 

McFadden is survived by his wife of 51 years, Suzanne, their three children, and grandchildren. 

Click here for more information on the GoFundMe. Click here for his obituary, which includes his funeral arraignments. 

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