Congratulations On Your Retirement, Michael Jackson

Congratulations, Michael...

Anyone who works in the Medfield Schools will recognize Michael Stanley Jackson’s picture, but not necessarily recognize him by name. Michael has been working in the maintenance department at Medfield Public Schools for the past 17 years and just recently retired.

Michael is a reserved, quiet man and a tireless and hardworking employee within the Medfield Public Schools. Michael retired on May 1st, but you might still see him on occasion enjoying coffee with his friend and co-worker, Shane.

In recognizing Michael’s many years at Medfield Public Schools as well as his other work endeavors, he shared much about his very interesting family and his life leading up to his retirement…

Michael and his twin brother Eugene were born in December of 1946 and very early in their lives they were adopted by their paternal uncle, Stanley and his wife. Stanley and Denise met in Arizona when Stanley was in the Army stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia and Denise was a teacher. Before the boys were born, Stanley Jackson served during WWII, He was part of the Army 92nd Infantry; the only African-American infantry division that participated in Europe during WWII. He was a true hero, having been shot 3 times, he earned and was awarded 3 Purple Hearts of Valor for his bravery and service. Stanley’s close friend and Army buddy was Ed Brooke who went on to become a Massachusetts US Senator from 1967-1979. Brooke was also the first African American elected to the US Senate by popular vote.

The boys were brought up living in Massachusetts and attended many different schools. They went to elementary school in Billerica and junior high school with the Cambridge Public Schools. Michael attended Rindge Technical School and Eugene attended Cambridge High and Latin School. The family moved to Holliston when Denise was hired as a teacher at Holliston High School and the boys both graduated from Holliston High School in 1966. As an educator, Denise was insistent the boys attend college after high school, however, Michael and Eugene’s post graduation and professional careers took different paths.

After graduation Michael attended Hampton Institute in Virginia and took business courses followed by attending East Coast Technical School in Bedford from 1967-68. He became a member of Local 448 Pipefitters Union and worked at General Motors from 1972-1983. Later he worked as a carpenter for Matthew Construction Company from 1983-1986. Next he worked at WF Wood Engineering from 1986-1997 as a welder and from 1997-2006 he worked at The Boston Globe doing many tasks working in Maintenance. While working for The Globe, Michael saw an advertisement in that newspaper for a Facilities maintenance job within the Medfield Public Schools and he has worked here until his retirement on May 1, 2023.

His brother Eugene attended and graduated from Howard University and became a member of the Massachusetts State Police, working there for 30 years until he retired. Eugene passed away in 2022 and is survived by his wife.

Michael married at age 26 and he and his wife had 2 children, Jessica and Matthew. Michael’s son, Matthew Jackson passed away in 2018.

In talking with Michael, I asked him for his thoughts on his time here in Medfield, “These guys have been wonderful to me. I’ve worked with lots of characters over the years and we’ve had lots of laughs. I have no regrets” said Jackson.

Michael Lafrancesca, as Director of Finance and Operations knows Jackson very well. “Michael never complained about any task he was asked to do, big or small; he just got it done. In addition to his daily work, Michael was in charge of the set up for MHS graduation for many years and during COVID he spent many hours changing out all the air filters in every school building as well as delivering masks and COVID tests to the schools. Michael is easy going and friendly and everyone who meets him likes him.” said Lafrancesca.

“ In addition to his work ethic and reliability, Michael, although quiet, has a great sense of humor. I'm so happy for him and I hope he enjoys his retirement. I look forward to Michael stopping by and visiting us. I know one thing, he won't miss plowing and shoveling on snow days!” said Jeff Marsden, Superintendent of Schools.

Shane Robitalle has known Michael for over a decade and they have worked together for the past few years. “He taught me the ropes; what to do and what not to do. He is a great friend, a good worker and we plan to continue to stay connected.”

Michael plans to enjoy his retirement at his home in Franklin but he guarantees he will stop by to chat with his friends at the Medfield Public Schools frequently…with Dunkin’ coffee and a chocolate glazed donut in hand.

Michael will be recognized along with other retirees at the next School Committee for his years of service to Medfield.

Congratulations, Michael and thank you for your hard work and support all these years, you will be missed.