Mr. Henry E. "Big Ed" Mills, a resident of Methuen, born and raised in the Ballardvale section of Andover, passed away at the Hannah Duston Healthcare Center in Haverhill on Monday morning, April 22, 2024. He was 78 years old.
Born in Andover, Massachusetts, on August 23, 1945, he was the beloved son of the late Robert and Elizabeth A. (Smith) Mills. Henry was a 1963 graduate of Punchard High School in Andover and enlisted in the US Navy. While serving in the Navy, Henry was the Commanding Officer for the Naval Reserve Manpower Center in Bainbridge, Maryland. He received his Honorable discharge from the US Naval Air Station in Norfolk, Virginia on September 22, 1966. After being discharged from the Navy, Henry married Kathleen A. (Popadak). In civilian life, Big Ed had been employed by the Andover Water Department and had worked as a Milkman, delivering locally for many years. He had also worked as a Truck Driver for 26 years and retired from POSCO in 2012.
In life, Henry enjoyed watching all sports, playing cards and going to antique cars shows as well as owning several antique cars. Henry also had a deep love for all animals, especially his backyard birds. Henry was a very generous, happy man with a smile on his face and he will be dearly missed by all.
Besides Kathleen and her partner, Karen Puglielli, Henry is survived by his loving daughter; Melina and her husband James Ward of Methuen, siblings; John and his wife Robin Mills of Florida and Jessie and her husband Harold Bailey of Florida, grandchildren; Michael J. Ward and his partner, Kasia Kopcinski of Bradford, great-grandchildren; Carter J. and Kyla Rose Ward. Henry is also survived by sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; Christine and her husband Larry Bruce of Epping, New Hampshire, Barbara and her husband Russell LaBarre of Andover and Roberta Mills of Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Henry was also the father of the late Stephen Mills and brother of the late Dennis, Cameron and Robert Mills.
Visitation will be held in the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 390 North Main Street, Andover on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 9:30 AM to Noon. Relatives and friends are most welcome to attend. Interment will be held in the St. Augustine Cemetery in Andover. In lieu of flowers, donations in Henry's memory may be made to Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844. For additional information, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com.