Event date: July 30, 2016 to November 01, 2016
TEWKSBURY - After a long battle with illness and surrounded by his family, Edward "Ed" Dick passed away early Saturday morning, January 30th, 2016. Ed was the beloved husband of his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth "Betty" (Riddick) Dick with who he would have celebrated 52 years of marriage on February 16th.
The son of the late Howard C. Dick and the late Jessie (Conant) Dick, Ed was born May 20, 1942. Although born and raised in the Belvidere section of Lowell, Ed and Betty adopted Tewksbury, MA as their home for over 40 years. He graduated Lowell High School Class of 1960 and then earned his degree from Burdett College. During his time in college, Ed worked for the Lowell Sun as a sportsreporter and always talked about his days covering the Boston Celtics.
Ed enjoyed giving back to and being involved in his community and town. He prided himself on the time he served as Selectmen and most importantly as a four (4) term member (12 years) on the Tewksbury School Committee, where his fellow members nicknamed him, "The Dean of the Committee". Ed was a 35 year Board member and a cornerstone of the Redmen Football Club with the majority of those years as a Trustee and Treasurer. He was all about the kids, their education and athletic experience in the Town. He was a constant at the Tewksbury High School Varsity Football home game concession stand where all the kids new him as "Eddie Buck" or "Grampa Ed". Ed and his pals would run the concession stand every home game. He wouldn't take your order, but would be quick to jab you with a joke and to count your money.
He loved music, football and golf. As a member (and one time Director) of the Long Meadow Golf Club in Lowell since 1965, Ed enjoyed his numerous rounds of golf with his friends, his sons and occasionally his wife. He liked sitting on the patio over looking #9 watching his fellow golfers try to "stick it close" while sipping a delicious Pepsi on ice.
Ed and Betty would follow the warmth of the sun and spent their winter months bathing in the sights and sounds of Naples, Florida, making great friends and finding their "spot" on the beach next to the Naples pier. Ed was also active in the St. Paul's Episcopal Church Men's Club participating in many of their weekly meetings. He also enjoyed being "head parking attendant" at their weekly farmer's market controlling the crowds.
Ed recently celebrated 50 years with the William North Masonic Lodge AF & AM and was honored in 2014 by his fellow Masons for his longevity with the club. He was active at the First Baptist Church of Tewksbury and for many years a Trustee. Early on, he was the Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Lowell DeMolay and received the Cross of Honor, Legion of Honor and Chevalier Degree during his time there. Ed was also Corporator for Lowell General Hospital, member of the D'Youville Senior Living Men's Guild and a member of the Tewksbury/Wilmington Elks. He was a former Board Member of the Visiting Nurses Association of Lowell, Past President of the Lowell Exchange Club, former Trustee of the MSPCA and former Chairman of the March of Dimes.
In addition to his loving "bride", Ed is survived and deeply missed by his three sons whom he was so proud of, Barry R. and his wife, Suzanne (Cosby) of Tyngsboro, Brian H. and his wife, Michelle (Sinacola) of Tewksbury, and Christopher E. and his wife, Elizabeth (Burba) also of Tewksbury. There is nothing he loved or talked about more than his 10 grandchildren, Christina, J.T., Kevin, Timmy, Kirsten, Jenny, Cam, Abbey, Brody and Tyler. Ed is also survived by his sister, Sandra (Dick) Van Allman and late husband, Alfred C. Van Allman; his two sisters-in-law, Marjorie (Riddick) Miller and late husband, Frank W. Miller and Rosanne (Marcus) Riddick and her late husband, Raymond E. Riddick Jr.; as well as many loving nephews, nieces and cousins.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Redmen Football Club, 31 Bopete Lane, Tewksbury, MA 01876.