Edmund John Neville of Bridgewater, formerly of Canton and Stoughton, a Paratrooper and member of the elite 82nd Airborne and United States Army Special Forces Veteran of the Korean Conflict passed away on Monday October 24, 2011 at the Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton, Massachusetts. He was 78 years old. He was the beloved husband of the late Gloria P. Neville. His survivors include his children, Gary J. Mendelson and his wife Carolann of Tallahassee, FLA, Deborah J. Larsen and her husband Peter of East Bridgewater, William J. Neville and his wife Gayle of Milton, Patricia A. Colp and her husband Scott of Bridgewater and Michael B. Neville also of Bridgewater. Other survivors include his sister Margaret Brennick and her husband Robert of North Fort Meyers, FLA , 10 grandchildren, 2 great - grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was also a brother to the late William Neville, James Neville and Janet Fernald.
Born December 8, 1932 in Brockton, Massachusetts Mr. Neville was a son to the late Edmund J. Neville and Margaret (Angus) Neville. He was Raised in Stoughton, attended Stoughton Public Schools and was a 1950’ graduate of Stoughton High School. Ed had the distinct opportunity to be drafted as a catcher by the Boston Red Sox Organization right out of High School but opted to serve his country instead, in the United States Army.
Mr. Neville was a self - employed Master Carpenter and enjoyed working with concrete forms and building seawalls. While residing in Canton, Ed became an instructor at the Canton Public Library and was a member of their “ Great Book Society “. He was also a coach in Canton Town Little League and a community activist with the Massachusetts Commission on Disabilities. Prior to his retirement he was employed part - time as a Maintenance Supervisor at the Temple Sinai in Sharon.
Ed was an avid reader , foster parent , loyal Boston Red Sox fan and was also a member of the Canton VFW.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday October 27, 2011 from 4 – 8 P.M. in the Sheehan Funeral Home, 115 Monk Street, Stoughton. His funeral service will be held on Friday October 28, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. in the Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Knollwood Memorial Park, Canton. In lieu of flowers, donations to the charity of one’s choice in Ed’s memory, would be appreciated.