Edward S. Harris FLORENCE- Edward S. Harris of Florence, Ma died at Cooley Dickenson Hospital on May 3, his wife and family at his bedside. Ed never recovered from a series if debilitating falls while spending the winter at their Casey Key rental in Nokomis, Fl. Born July 2, 1928, he was the youngest son of Carl C. and Marion F. Harris .
Graduating from Orange High School in 1946, he earned a BS in Business Administration from Babson college in 1950. During the Korean War Ed served in the US Army Signal Corps. Until retirement in 1988 Ed held various positions at Rodney Hunt, the family owned company in Orange, MA, for many years as Vice President.
He continued as a consultant and Board Member, director until 1995 when the company merged with GA Industries of Pa. Throughout his career and into retirement Ed was involved in the collection, selection and transfer of the company’s historical records which are electronically preserved in the Archives Department at the Du Bois Library at University Of Mass. Captain Ed as he was known within his step family, was endeared by two generations .
From birth to graduations and marriages, the Captain offered his encouraging words of wisdom and support. His interest and compassion for each of them will be greatly missed. A life-long small boat sailor, Ed sailed the waters of New England and the east coast for leisure and competition.
He spent a year with Faye bare-boating to the Caribbean and back. From the canals in France to the choppy waters of Buzzards Bay, Ed navigated with ease and assurance. According to many family and friends who sailed with him, he was a small boat expert.
In addition to his wife of 34 years, Ed leaves three adult children from his first marriage , several nieces and nephews and 12 step children/grandchildren. His presence, humility and gentle manner are lasting qualities of this unique man. Faye, Nina, Brooks and Grant would like to thank the medical and Physical/Occupational/Respiratory staff on Four West at Cooley Dickenson Hospital for their tireless care and concern for Capt.
Ed. From each of us personally, a special thank you. Your loving touch and skilled nursing care are remembered with gratitude during these difficult days.
Your teamwork was an integral part of Ed’s care and comfort and we are forever grateful. Cremation will be followed with a Memorial Service at a later date. Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
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