Edward A. Butler, a 55 year resident of Melrose, died on Sunday November 11, 2007, "Veterans Day", at Sawtelle Hospice House in Reading following an extended illness. He was 95 years old.
Ed was born in Wakefield on September 21, 1912. He grew up in Wakefield where he attended Wakefield Public Schools and graduated from Wakefield High School in 1931. He began working for The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston as a cashier in 1933. He worked in several capacities for the bank recieving several promotions while also attending The American Institute of Banking. He also attended the Staley School of A Spoken Word which specializes in public speaking. He enlisted into the United States Army on July 25, 1942. He served during World War 2 and was a member of the 8th Army Air Corps while he flew with the B-24 Liberators over Normandy, Germany and several other locations in Europe. He recieved his Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Theater Service Medal (with 7 Bronze Stars.) He was discharged on October 19, 1945, with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Ed was credited with sending back information and stories to The Wakefield Item Newspaper about the war with his secret name of "Joe Hip Boots". Following his discharge, Ed returned to The Federal Bank of Boston and met his then future wife Anne Doherty and worked there for a total of 44 years. He retired as Assistant to the Vice President in 1977. He was Past President of The Federal Reserve Bank Society, Past President of The Federal Reserve Bank Quarter Century Club, member of The Federal Reserve Bank Retirees Club. Ed was an original founder and 75 year charter member of The West Side Social Club of Wakefield. He was Past Exhaulted Ruler and Life Member of B.P.O.E. Lodge #1276 of Wakefield. He was a member of Harold O. Young V.F.W. Post # 2394 of Melrose. He was a member of The Most Blessed Sacrament Church Holy Name Society and was a co-ordinator of My Brothers Table. He was an avid golfer who also enjoyed playing bridge and scrabble.
Ed is the beloved husband of 55 years to Anne T. (Doherty) Butler. He is the devoted father of Stephen E. Butler of Wayland, Thomas M. Butler of Simsbury, Ct., Karen A. Kelly of Foxborough, Ellen M. Vaitkunas of Milford and Susan J. Butler of Holliston. He is the loving grandfather of Meghan, Sarah and Stephen Butler, Mark and Kevin Butler, Michael, Timothy and Caroline Kelly. He is the brother of the late Eleanor LaRiviere, Mary Kelch, Irene Meehan and Francis Butler.
Ed's Funeral will be held on Thursday, November 15, 2007, at 9 a.m. from The Carr Funeral Home 1159 Main St., MELROSE/WAKEFIELD, line followed by his Funeral Mass in The Most Blessed Sacrament Church 1155 Main St., Wakefield, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours for Ed will be on Wednesday, November 14, 2007, from 4 to 8 p.m. Burial will take place at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.
In lieu of flowers kindly make memorial donations in Ed's name to Most Blessed Sacrament Church Building Fund, 11 Grove St., Wakefied, Mass. 01880 or The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 101 First Avenue, Waltham, MA 02451.