Quincy residents upset about name chosen for HS athletic field

QUINCY, Mass. — A new athletic field at North Quincy High School is set to be dedicated this weekend, but many in town are upset at who it’s being named after.

The Creedon family has had a long history in Quincy. The first generation Creedon father was an immigrant from Ireland, he and his son were firemen, with the son later becoming deputy chief of the department. The son’s children became educators, two of them even served as Quincy Superintendent, but one of those superintendents has a murky record.

"There is a blemish there with one of the Creedons, there’s no question,” Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch said.

Lawrence Creedon resigned as superintendent in 1984 amid allegations he had inappropriately touched students. He was never charged.

"The superintendent served 16 years as superintendent, he served the United States Navy, he was one of the co-founders of Quincy Youth Football, so there was a lot of good that was accomplished as well,” Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch said.

The naming decision was made by the Parks Department, but Koch said he supports it.

Others in town are concerned that the creedon name will hang over a place where kids will play.

"I feel like with such a mark associated with the name it wouldn't be a good idea,” Quincy resident Jenna Tramont said.

Koch told FOX25 the stain on one person’s reputation should tarnish that of the whole family.

"They served our nation, they served our community, they lived in the area, they all went to North Quincy high,” he said.

There was an opportunity for public comment when the name was decided upon by the parks department, but no opposition was voiced.

The dedication is set for Sunday.

Cox Media Group