BOSTON – Joseph E. Killory, 85, of Weymouth, Mass., and formerly of Sandwich and Brockton, died on April 28, in Boston.

He had a distinguished career as an educator – serving as superintendent of schools in Brockton and Dennis-Yarmouth, Mass., and in Teaneck, N.J. – and was the first executive director of Boston’s METCO program, the largest voluntary school desegregation program in the country.

He earned degrees from Bridgewater College and Harvard University. During World War II, he served with distinction as an officer in the U.S. Naval Submarine Force.

He leaves his beloved wife of 63 years, Rita Killory; five children, including Susan K. Lea of Poland, (married to Fergus Lea) and Ann, David, Ted and Sarah Killory; 10 grandchildren, including Susan’s children, Casey of Mansfield, Mass., Rachel of Atlanta, Ga. and Patrick of Durham, N.C.; and 10 great-grandchildren, including Susan’s grandchildren, A.J., Alex and Megan.