NATICK: Edward J. Milch, Sr., age 77, a longtime resident of Natick, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer on Sunday evening, October 21, 2012. He was the devoted husband of Shirley A. (MacDonald) Milch for 49 years.
Born in Boston on February 23, 1935, he was a son of the late Alwin K. and Eleanor (McCarthy) Milch. He was raised in Mattapan and graduated with Cathedral High School’s Class of 1952. Ed then served four years with the US Air Force, stationed primarily at Loring AFB in Maine as a Staff Sergeant. Upon his return to civilian life, he completed an Associates Degree in Civil Engineering at the Wentworth Institute of Technology.
Ed was employed with Wentworth as an instructor prior to accepting an engineering position with the Town of Brookline. Married in June of 1963, he and Shirley settled in Natick ten years later. They created a warm and loving home for their growing family and were very active with Saint Patrick’s Parish. The Milches enjoyed annual family vacations on Cape Cod, and eventually bought a seasonal home in Centerville after Ed’s 1999 retirement. A man devoted to his faith and family, Ed relished time spent with his grandchildren and enjoyed routing for Boston sports teams and relaxing with a good book.
Predeceased by a young granddaughter, Catherine, he is survived by Shirley; eight children, Andrea M. Stevenson and her husband David of Manchester, NH, Mary-Ellen Coniaris and her husband Jeffrey of Boston, Karen Milch and her partner Mickey Gallagher of Northampton, Edward J. Milch, Jr. of Natick, Elizabeth M. Milch and her husband Mark Kinchla of Natick, Douglas K. Milch and his wife Melissa of Natick, Elaine M. Lundin and her husband Michael of Norwood, and John B. Milch of Natick; nine grandchildren to whom he was “Bumpa”: Ryan, Noelani, Joseph, Sarah, Catherine, Sadie, Henry, Molly, and Genevieve; a sister, Leona McFarland of Centerville, a brother, Alwin K. Milch, Jr. and his wife Mary of Marshfield; and many nieces and nephews.
His funeral will be from the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street at Natick Common, Natick, on Thursday, Oct. 25th at 9:00a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Patrick’s Church, 44 East Central Street, Natick, at 10:00a.m. Burial will follow at Saint Patrick’s Cemetery.
Visiting hours will be Wednesday 4 – 8p.m. Donations may be made in Ed’s memory to St. Patrick’s Church, 44 E. Central St, Natick, MA 01760.