BCAT News

Stephen “Steve” Preston Sr., a retired Pine Glen Principal and longtime Burlington educator, passed away surrounded by family on January 17, 2026. He spent four decades serving the Burlington school community.

He was the son of the late Margaret (Cunningham) and Stephen Preston Sr. of Somerville. Steve was the loving husband of the late Jean (Matarazzo) and the devoted father of Denise Preston and her partner Chris Kontoes of Stoneham, and the late Stephen Preston III of Winchester. He was the beloved brother of Patricia Cedrone and her husband Paul of Medford, the late Joanna Cirame and her late husband Jack of Arlington, and the late Elaine Sewell of Hallowell, Maine. Steve was also a much-loved brother-in-law to Diane Lamagna and her late husband Michael of Watertown, Irene and Michael Kerner of Hanson, James Matarazzo of Woburn, and the late Mary Grace Hurst and her husband Charles of Woburn. He was Uncle Steve to more than 20 nieces and nephews, and many grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Steve was a firm believer in the importance of a good education and dedicated his life to teaching. He spent over 30 years in Burlington, serving as principal of Pine Glen Elementary School, where he left a lasting impact on generations of students, families, and educators. Upon his retirement in 2003, the road adjacent to the school was renamed Preston Way in his honor. He also served for many years as President of the Burlington Community Scholarship Foundation, was an active member of the Teach India Project, and mentored aspiring school principals throughout his career.

Superintendent of Schools Eric Conti reflected on the impact Preston had on generations of students, staff, and families.

“Steve’s legacy is defined by his unwavering dedication to his students, his kindness toward staff, and his deep roots in the Burlington community,” Conti said. “He was a leader who led with his heart, ensuring that every child who walked through the doors of Pine Glen felt seen, supported, and valued.”

A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, January 29, at 10 a.m. at St. Margaret’s Church, located at 111 Winn Street, Burlington.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages community members to carry forward Steve’s spirit of “Pine Glen Pride” through acts of kindness and continued support for local education. Donations may be made to the Burlington Community Scholarship Foundation, 35 Center Street, Burlington, MA 01803, c/o Brian Curtin.