Norwood Recreation Chief Appointed-July 16, 1969

On this day, July 16, 1969, the town manager, Walter A. Blasenak, announced to the board of selectmen that Mr. Dixon would succeed Richard E. Ready, who was retiring after 20 years of service.

Kevin T. Dixon, a Norwood native and 1927 high school baseball team member, had an illustrious athletic career. He played football at the University of Denver, where he majored in physical education, and later received a master’s degree in educational administration from Boston University in 1966. His uncle, Felix Dixon, was a vice principal in the Norwell school system and had also played football at Boston University.

Mr. Dixon’s athletic prowess extended beyond his college days. He played basketball and baseball at Norwood High School and was awarded the Sumner Memorial Trophy for his athletic and academic achievements. Three of his brothers, Peter, Jay, and Chris, followed in his footsteps by playing football for their high school and college teams. Peter Dixon, 28, played for the University of Washington, while Jay Dixon, 20, was a lineman at Boston University. Chris Dixon, 14, was a member of the football team at Xaverian High School in Westwood.

Mr. Dixon’s appointment as recreation director was not only a testament to his athletic achievements but also a reflection of his dedication to education and community service. He had been a member of the Job Corps in Colombia, South America, where he worked with the state championship-winning 1927 high school baseball team. After returning to the United States, he joined the Peace Corps and later became associated with the recreation program of the Job Corps.

As the new superintendent of the Norwood town recreation department, Mr. Dixon was tasked with building on the legacy of his predecessor, Richard E. Ready. With his extensive experience in physical education and community service, he was well-equipped to lead the department and provide recreational opportunities for the citizens of Norwood.

Mr. Dixon’s personal life was also noteworthy. He was married to Kay Gillis of Pittsburgh, and they had one daughter together. His father, John Dixon, was a physical education instructor at Norwood Junior High School and had pitched in the Norwood athletics program.

The appointment of Kevin T. Dixon as recreation director marked a new era for the Norwood town recreation department. With his impressive athletic background, dedication to education, and commitment to community service, he was poised to make a lasting impact on the institution and the citizens it served.

As Mr. Dixon took up his new role, he faced the challenge of building on the legacy of his predecessor while also introducing new ideas and initiatives to the department. With his extensive experience in physical education and community service, he was well-equipped to lead the department and provide recreational opportunities for the citizens of Norwood.

The appointment of Kevin T. Dixon as superintendent of the Norwood town recreation department was a significant milestone in the history of the institution. It marked a new era of leadership and innovation, and it paved the way for future generations of community leaders and athletes.

In conclusion, the appointment of Kevin T. Dixon as recreation director was a testament to his athletic achievements, educational background, and commitment to community service. As he took up his new role, he faced the challenge of building on the legacy of his predecessor while also introducing new ideas and initiatives to the department. With his extensive experience in physical education and community service, he was well-equipped to lead the department and provide recreational opportunities for the citizens of Norwood.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger