Charlton,
Harry Philip Edwards,98, passed away Monday, March 16, 2015. He was born in New York City, May 1, 1916, Harry’s mother, the late Geraldine (Brown) Bloomberg was on her way to Mexico City to join Harry’s father, Harry Bloomberg, Sr. in Mexico City where he worked for the U.S. Government, monitoring German influence in Mexico during the first World War. She began labor, stopped to give birth to Harry in New York, then boarded a train with him headed to Mexico. Harry spent the first few years of his life in Mexico, then Nogales. His family returned to the Boston area where he spent the rest of his life, prior to moving to Charlton. He graduated from Brighton High School then attended night school while working at a gas station in Boston’s South End at nights. He then finished his undergraduate degree and law school at the University of Florida before returning to Boston to start his own legal practice.
His first wife, Lucy-Ann (Dick) Edwards he married in April 1951 until she passed in 1973, In 1980 he married Dr. Sylvia (Meyer) Edwards, she passed away in May 2008.
He was raised in St. John’s Lodge, Boston in November, 1948, he was a Mason for over 66 years. He affiliated with Hesperia Lodge in 1967, serving five separate one year terms as Master. That Lodge was merged into a Braintree Lodge, which in turn into another Braintree Lodge last year; when that happened, Harry became a Past Master of Delta Lodge.
After moving to Lexington, he affiliated with Simon W. Robinson Lodge there, and in 2007 he affiliated with Rose of Sharon Lodge in Charlton.
Harry also received the Joseph Warren Distinguished Service Medal and was presented to him at the completion of his 5th term as Master of Hesperia.
He also received a 50 year medal, which is presented by St. John’s Lodge in Boston.
Harry had been made an honorary member of the Army Lodge in the Canal Zone, and served as Proxy to Grand Lodge for two Canal Zone Lodges.
He was also a 32nd Degree Mason in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Boston. He received a 50 year certificate from Supreme Council which he had on the wall near his desk.
Lieutenant Harry P. Edwards was the Judge Advocate for the Lexington Minute Man Company for many years, a member of the Colonial Craftsmen Masons which are a group of 18th century re-enactors who are Masons , that perform Masonic work in 18th century manner and dress, they are also a social group as well. His responsibilities included review of all legal contract matters coming before the Company and advising the Executive Board on all matters having legal implications. It is here that he excelled. Because of his LOVE of the Company, Harry zealously protected it.
Harry was a 70 year member of the American Philatelic Society. He was also a member of the Boston Philatelic Society even longer and was instrumental in getting the BPS incorporated as a non-profit, and writing the current bylaws. He was also made an Honorary Life Member.
Harry was also a founding member of the International Society of Guatemala Collectors, and is included in a photo of the founders in the frontispiece of their first publication.
His four great loves in life were Lucy, his first wife, Silvia, his second wife, Masons and stamp collecting.
Amen!
There will be a Masonic Service on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 10 AM in the James C. Nicholl, Jr. Chapel at the Overlook Community, 88 Masonic Home Rd., Charlton, followed by a Funeral Service at 10:30 AM, after the Services, burial will follow in West Ridge Cemetery in Charlton.
In Lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions in Harry’s Memory may be made to: The Overlook Masonic Community, Activities Fund, P.O. Box 1000, Charlton, MA. 01507.
The ROBERT J. MILLER-CHARLTON FUNERAL HOME, 175 Old Worcester Rd., is Honored to be assisting and directing Harry’s funeral services, as he wanted.
On Line Guest Book, or to Share a Memory of Harry: RJMillerfunerals.net