Edward “Ed” Joseph Crowley, age 82 of Scituate and Mattapoisett, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at the Rhode Island Hospital. Ed was the son of the late Patrick J. and Nora V. (Hamrock) Crowley. He was born and raised in Brockton and graduated from Brockton High School in 1952. Following his high school graduation, Ed served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict.
Ed received his Bachelor’s Degree from Stonehill College in 1961. He developed a deep affinity for his alma mater and so remained an ardent alumni and benefactor of his beloved Stonehill College. In 2011, Ed became a member of The Pillar Society which recognized his status as a fifty year graduate of the college. Ed was especially proud of his grandson, Luke Manzone’s acceptance to Stonehill College for the Fall of 2017. It was important to Ed that his family legacy continue.
Ed enjoyed a lengthy and successful career as a salesman for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company where he serviced the greater Brockton area and was able to utilize his gift of gab.
Ed or Captain Ed as he was fondly known to many, loved spending summers at his home in Mattapoisett where he would often sit on the beach with his beloved dog, Patrick, smoke a cigar and enjoy the beautiful view of the ocean. He was the happiest when his family and friends would join him at the beach for swimming, boating or just reminiscing about the old days.
Ed also enjoyed playing golf, painting, traveling to Aruba and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and dance recitals. Ed especially had a passion for ballroom dancing. It did not take long for him to clear a dance floor so he could show off his exquisite moves. He was also accomplished at playing the drums and saxophone. In his younger days, his father established the “Crowley Family Band” so that he and his siblings could entertain groups with their lively Irish music.
Ed enjoyed life to the fullest. He was vibrant, charming and always smiling. He endlessly entertained family and friends with his quick wit and funny stories. Ed felt that it was his mission in life to make someone smile every day. He truly had a gift for seeing the good in everything and everyone. Ed had a large personality but he enjoyed the little things in life. To everyone he met, he was one-of-a-kind, but to his children, he was a hero and will always walk on water.
Ed was the proud father of Edward Joseph Crowley, Jr. of Scituate, Kellie J. Manzone and her husband Paul of Bridgewater and Karen J. Flanders and her husband Albert of Bridgewater. He was the devoted companion of the late Kathleen E. Cunningham and leaves five cherished grandchildren, Luke E. Manzone, Jake L. Manzone, Colby M. Flanders, Cassidy N. Flanders and Cassandra R. Sullivan.
He was the brother of M. Christine Papineau and her husband Marshall of Brockton, Margaret A. Dame of Wheaton, Maryland, Noreen H. Waters of Mashpee, Bernadette M. Pare and her husband Edward of North Easton, Donald P. Crowley of Yarmouth Port, the late Thomas S. Crowley and his surviving spouse Elizabeth (Betty) Crowley of Brockton. He also leaves several generations of nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visiting hours on Monday, January 23rd from 4pm-8pm at the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street, (Rte 123) Brockton. The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 24th at 9:30 am in the Chapel of Mary at Stonehill College, 320 Washington Street, Easton.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Stonehill College. Gifts can be made in the name of Edward J. Crowley to Stonehill College, Office of Development, 320 Washington Street, Easton, MA 02375-6242 or online at www.stonehill.edu/giving.