Edward James Davis II

EAST HARWICH — Edward James Davis II, 74, died quietly in his sleep at home Monday morning, Nov. 16, 2009, surrounded by his loving wife, children, and grandchildren.

Edward was the son of the late Edward James Davis and Grace Mary Simpson of Highland Falls, N.Y. Edward is survived by his wife of 51 years, Claire (McGee). He is the father of Erin of Montgomery, N.Y., Tim (Christine) of Rochester, N.Y., Edward (Robyn) of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and Jim (Colleen) of Raleigh, N.C. He is the loving grandfather of James, Matthew, Bobby, Rachel, Anna, Abby, Andrew, Maire, Ivy, and is also survived by his stepgrandchildren Collin and Zoe. He is brother of George (predeceased) of Germantown, Md., brother of Elizabeth "Betty" Parker of Chicago, and nephew of Catherine Davis Baker (Dolly) of Raleigh, N.C.

Ed was born on Oct. 20, 1935, and grew up in Highland Falls, N.Y. He graduated from Highland Falls High School in 1953, and then earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business from Manhattan College. In his senior year at Manhattan College, Ed was sworn into the Marine Corps to become a helicopter pilot, but was excused due to an asthma condition. Ed was then accepted at the United States Coast Guard Officer Candidate School at United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. Ed graduated and became an ensign on Oct. 24, 1958. A day later, he married his love, Claire A. McGee on Oct. 25, 1958, at the United States Coast Guard Academy Chapel.

After his active service, Ed continued with the Coast Guard Reserves, rose to the rank of lieutenant commander and received an honorable discharge in 1975. He continued his Coast Guard service in 1997 as a vessel examiner officer, with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Chatham Flotilla 11-1.

While raising his family in Middle Hope (Newburgh), N.Y., he worked 28 years for IBM in East Fishkill, with the last few years being in Boca Raton, Fla. His career was in procurement but thrived in personnel training which lead to many classes and trainings in Asia. Ed has always been very active in the community. Ed volunteered as a Scout leader when his sons were in scouting. Ed was a volunteer firefighter in the Middle Hope Fire Department for 19 years, serving positions of lieutenant, apparatus driver and vice president. Ed created and copyrighted the Middle Hope Fire Department's Maltese Cross. Ed influenced IBM to donate to the fire department such items as classroom furniture, kitchen equipment and most importantly funds to build "Little Squirt," a talking fire engine made from a golf cart, to educate school children about fire safety.

He moved to the Cape in 1999, worked with the Senior Environment Corp., had an artistic touch in woodworking and landscape design. He loved gardening with his wife, built a number of additions to his home. He thoroughly cherished his time spent with his kids and grandkids whom were the joy of his life.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Morris & O'Connor Funeral Home, 58 Long Pond Drive, South Yarmouth. A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 10 a.m., at Holy Trinity Church, Route 28, West Harwich.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to VNA Hospice of Cape Cod (Hospice & Palliative Care), P.O. Box 370, Hyannis, MA 02601, and Harwich Fire Department.