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Edward Degnan Obituary
Born in Providence, he was a son of the late William E. and Helena F. (Ryan) Degnan. Mr. Degnan was a Parole Officer for the State of Rhode Island Department of Corrections for 36 years retiring in 2003, and had also worked part time at The Kent House in Warwick. After his retirement from the State, he continued his profession at The Kent House. He was a communicant of the Church of the Immaculate Conception for 25 years. He was a Eucharistic Minister, and a member of the Saint Joseph's Mens Guild. Mr. and Mrs. Degnan celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on July 6, 2008.
Besides his wife he is survived by two daughters, Mary E. Degnan of Cranston, Elizabeth A. Damato and her husband John B. of Warwick; two sons Edward P. Degnan, Jr. and his wife Deborah A. of Warwick, Matthew T. Degnan and his wife Megan E. of Cranston; two brothers William E. Degnan of Cranston and Joseph R. Degnan, Sr. of Narragansett, three granddaughters Nicole, Emily and Kelsey Degnan. He was the brother of the late Mary D. Sugrue.
His funeral will be held on Thursday at 9:15 a.m. from the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 142 Centerville Road, Warwick. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Oaklawn Avenue, Cranston. Burial will be in Saint Ann Cemetery Cranston. Visiting hours Wednesday 4-8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers donations to the Down Syndrome Society of Rhode Island, 99 Bald Hill Road, Cranston, RI 02820 or Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, R I Chapter, 1150 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston will be appreciated. boyleandsonfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edward Degnan
Robert H. Friel, Esq.
November 26, 2008
Sincerest condolences on Ed's passing. Ed possessed the finest of Irish qualities: personality, heart, loyalty and humor. Over the years Ed and I were on opposite sides in court. I always enjoyed the experience of dealing with Ed because he was a professional who did his job with both competency and wit, a rarity in today's world.
Paul Marianetti
November 23, 2008
What a wonderful, happy go lucky guy. My deepest sympathy to you Karen and your entire family. Spent 18 months with Eddy (12 in the bunk beside me in Vietnam) . So sad we drifted apart, as happened to so many others. Always positive. I still remember his unique laugh. Eddy, comrade, Rest In Peace.
mary hanley
November 13, 2008
Dear Ed, Deb, Nicole, Emily and Kelsy:
Ed, we are so sorry to hear of the sudden passing of your father. I only learned of your loss this week. Our heart felt sympathy goes to you and your family.
The Hanley Family
(Bob, Mary Beth & Meghan)
Tracy Corcoran
November 11, 2008
Mary and Family,
I am so sorry about your fathers passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
John Irons
November 10, 2008
Mary and Family,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Your dad was a great man and I admired him in many ways. Please stay strong for each other.
John Irons
Dave Carr
November 10, 2008
Matt, Mary and family,
I was sorry to hear of the sudden loss of your father. He was a good man to know and always good to see when I went to the KH. Tough to lose a parent suddenly and at that age. Strength and prayers to your family.
Kathleen Carney-Godley, MD
November 8, 2008
Ed was a fine, caring gentleman and it was a privilege to have known him. With deepest sympathies,
Brenda Poliquin
November 6, 2008
Dear Degnan family,
I worked with Ed at The Kent House. Todays mass for him was beautiful. The Priest had a lot of touching words to say about him. I liked when he said, "God surprised Ed on Saturday evening." I thought that was cute. Ed is one of the finest men I've ever known. I was honored to know him. I didn't think he was done saving souls, but apparently he was needed elsewhere. He will be missed. I will continue to pray for strength for your family during this difficult time.
Joan Brayman
November 6, 2008
Dear Karen, Ed, Matt, Mary and Elizabeth, My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family during this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss. Ed was truly a great man. He was kind, caring and well liked by all. A true gentleman. What an honor it has been to call him my friend. God bless you all.
Susan Dame
November 6, 2008
Dear Mrs. Degnan, Ed, Matt, Mary, Elizabeth:
I want to express my deepest sympathy at the sudden loss of Mr. Degnan. I lost my mother suddenly 10 years ago and I know how difficult it is. I have very fond memories of my babysitting days and all the time I got to spend with the whole family. Those days meant a lot to me. I was at the funeral mass today and I want to let you know I thought it was a beautiful and moving mass. My thoughts and prayers are with you through this very difficult time.
Love,
Eddy Gomes
November 6, 2008
Dear Degnan Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Degnan helped me so much with his work at the Kent House. He will be very missed.
Ruth & Carmine (Buster) Valelli
November 6, 2008
Dear Karen and Family,
We were disturbed to hear of your loss. We have fun memories of him. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. With deepest sympathy ,
Ruth & Buster
David Krekorian
November 6, 2008
With deepest sympathy.
Keri (Thompson) Blanchard
November 5, 2008
Mary and family: I am so very sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Karen DeGenova
November 5, 2008
Dear Degnan Family,
I was truly shocked and very saddened to hear of Ed's sudden passing. I know there are no words that can possibly comfort you at this very difficult time. May your memories and the knowledge that Ed had such a positive influence on so many help you get through the next weeks and months. Ed was a true gentleman and he will be missed very much. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Rick Anderson
November 5, 2008
I worked at K.H with Ed for many
years he was a great guy.
My sympathy to his family
Donna Storti
November 5, 2008
My heartfelt sympathy to you. I was so saddened to read of Ed's passing. I can still hear his infectious laugh at our office in Probation and Parole. Ed was truly a fine man.
May your wonderful memories and faith sustain you throughout this time
Wanda Clark
November 5, 2008
Karen and family,
Words cannot describe how sorry I am for your loss. Ed was a wonderful man. There was never a day when I saw him that he did not have a smile on his face.
Jessica (Desimone) Schattle
November 5, 2008
Mary and Family,
We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Brian and Jessica Schattle
Julia Bannon
November 5, 2008
To the Degnan family. I am very sorry for your loss. Mr. Degnan will be missed for sure!
Donald Deignan
November 5, 2008
Dear Degnan Family,
Please permit me to express my deepest sympathy to all of you on Ed's sudden and unexpected passing. My name is Donald Deignan and as a member of the Kent House Board of Directors I knew Ed, your husband, father and brother, as a friend and a colleague. He touched many lives, not least those of the men who have sought shelter and recovery at Kent House. I know I speak for the entire Kent House family when I say that we deeply appreciate Ed's many years of dedicated, selfless service to the organization and its work. All of us will miss him very much.
Personally, I share with you our common Catholic Faith and our proud Irish-American heritage as well as, essentially, the same family name. Your loss is mine too. Please know that I will keep Ed and all of you in my thoughts and prayers during the days and weeks ahead. "May God be good to him" and may He Bless You All.
Jackie Sugrue
November 5, 2008
Dear Aunt Karen, Ed, Matt, Mary, Elizabeth & Grandchildren
My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to your wonderful family for your loss. Uncle Ed was my God Father and such a wonderful Uncle. His smile, great attitude, and kindness will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Janet Tanury
November 5, 2008
To Mary & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your sad news. I pray that a lifetime of memories can bring you peace at this sad time.
Warm Regards,
Janet Tanury BVA Class of '92
Jennifer Brown
November 5, 2008
Mary and family,
My deepest and heartfelt sympathies for your loss.
Laura (Pacheco) Morris
November 5, 2008
Matt,
Our deepest sympathy to you and yor family for your loss.
Jerry and Laura (Pacheco) Morris
Denise & Richard Cote
November 5, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss. Even though I only knew Mr. Degnan for a short time and we only talked on the phone a few times, we talked a lot and he was just so nice. I can’t believe he is gone and I am sure he is going to be greatly missed.
Laura Jaworski
November 5, 2008
To the Degnan Family,
Our most sincere sympathies to you and your entire family on your sudden loss. We knew Ed briefly, and in very different capacities...Laura through his work at the Kent House, and Rico through the ACI. Ed was a wonderful man who never failed to put a smile on both of our faces; he truly touched our hearts. May your memories bring you comfort in this difficult time.
God Bless...
Laura Jaworski & Rico Razza
Erin Doughty
November 5, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this sad and shocking time. Uncle Ed was a great man and he will be missed.
Love, Erin, Bill & Liam Doughty
Rebecca Mesolella
November 5, 2008
Dearest Karen, Elizabeth, Mary, Matt, and Ed,
My heart bleeds for the loss of your father. I find peace in knowing that the incredible family connections that you share will carry and support each of you through this deeply painful time. I have many fond memories of Ed. I am instantly reminded of time I rolled my car window up on all four of my dad's handmade fishing poles, breaking them all in half, and I showed up at your house asking Ed if their was a way to glue them back together. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Best,
Rebecca
Derrick, Christy & Jackson Ciesla
November 5, 2008
We are so sorry to hear of your sudden loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Margaret Doran-Lembke
November 4, 2008
Dear Degnan Family,
I was devasated to hear of your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. I'm so sorry I cannot be there with you but you are in my daily thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Margaret, Jeff and James
Freinds
November 4, 2008
To the Degnan Family,
We have known Ed for many years he was a graet guy, He always gave you that one hope that you really did'nt think you had He was a angle on earth and now he is one in heaven. He will be missed by many.
Kerri, Robert,Frank Ciaramello And Gerald Morris
Lynne Corry
November 4, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with the Degnan family. Ed Degnan Sr. was a great man who gave himself to his family and to public service. He is certainly a man that I admired and he will be missed by all.
Lisa Blanchette
November 4, 2008
Degnan Family, I have grown with your family knowing you all now for over 19 years. I am deeply saddened by the loss of Ed. My thoughts and prayers are with you! I will always be there for you if you need anything.
Maria Raspallo~Brown
November 4, 2008
Dear Mary and Family,
During this sad time, may you find comfort with your memories of your Dad. My prayers are with you and your family.
Maria Raspallo-Brown
Bill and Judi Maas and family
November 4, 2008
Karen, Eddie, Matt, Mary, Elizabeth and Families
We were shocked to hear about Ed and are sorry we can't be there with you. You are in our thoughts and prayers today and always. Give Aunt Verna a kiss for me. "Uncle Ray" as Ed liked to call him said to tell you that he is thinking of you. Karen, I am so glad we were able to be together for your birthday this past spring. Take care of each other.
Love to all
Becky, Jay, & Brenna Zolli
November 4, 2008
Mary,
We are so sorry for the loss of your father. He was a kind, caring, and special man who touched the hearts of many people. We are thinking of you and your family at this sad time. We are here for you if you need anything.
Christine Zych
November 4, 2008
Dear Degnan Family,
I am so sad to hear about the loss of your Wonderful Husband and Dad.
Ed was a kind and caring person who always had a smile on his face.
My prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Christine
Debbie Bolandz
November 4, 2008
I had the pleasure of working with Ed at Kent House over the last few years. He touched many lives with his genuine, caring ways. We are all at a loss without him. On Friday, as Ed was leaving work, he took the time to come back in to let 1 of our new counselors know he will be there for her if she ever needs anything. Words cannot express my sorrow for you and your family to loose such a wonderful man.
Debbie Bolandz
Tom Wade
November 4, 2008
I worked with Ed for many years. He was a great guy, a great friend, and a credit to his profession. He will be missed . My prayers are with you all.
Midge Pacheco
November 4, 2008
Matt and family: I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jennifer Donovan
November 4, 2008
To the Degnan Family,
Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. Ed was truly one of the finest people I have ever known. He will always be remembered and honored as the kind, caring and patient man that we were so lucky to know. Your family is in my daily prayers.
Jennifer Donovan
Trish, Jay, Jason and Mary Arruda
November 4, 2008
Dear Aunt Karen, Ed, Matt, Mary and Elizabeth,
Words can not express our shock and sadness over Uncle Ed's passing. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed.
Laura Bard
November 4, 2008
Dear Degnan family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss and will miss Ed very much. He was such a wonderful person who truly touched everyone he met with his gentle and caring heart. He was such a great man! Please know I am praying for Ed and all of you. My deepest sympathies,
Holly Pray
November 4, 2008
Karen, Ed, Jr, Mary, Matt, Elizabeth as a past coworker, I offer my sincere sympathy in hearing about the passing of your husband/father. He was a hard working, honest man/husband and father. I don't think anyone could say one negative thing about him. May you find peace in knowing that i have fond memories of Ed, Sr that will always make me smile.
Silvia Cantini
November 4, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I was privileged to work with Ed many years ago in Juvenile Probation. His kindness and helpfulness to co-workers and clients will always be remembered! He will be sadly missed. My condolences to the Degnan family.
Cathy Ellis
November 4, 2008
TO THE FAMILY OF ED
WHAT A REMARKABLE MAN!! ED SHINES IN ALL OF YOU!! HIS SMILE AND WARMTH AND CARING PERSONALITY WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!! SHARED TIMES, SHARED MEMORIES, SHARED JOYS ARE SO SPECIAL THEY WILL ALWAYS KEEP ED CLOSE TO YOU ALL!! PLEASE KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AT THIS SAD TIME.
CATHY ELLIS (Mark's MOM)
Kathy Silva
November 4, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Joanne Sherman
November 4, 2008
I worked with Mr. Degnan in Juvenile Probation and wish to express my sincere condolences in your loss. May God bless you in your time of sorrow.
Joanne Sherman
Jean Embrey
November 4, 2008
November 4, 2008
Dear Degnan Family,
It was with a great sense of loss when we heard of Ed's death. We wanted to let you know that you have our greatest sympathy, and our hearts are truly saddened. Ed was more than just a wonderful person; he was always so kind and considerate to us that we always welcomed seeing him at every opportunity. And, we know that his passing will not only leave a void in our lives, but in the hearts of all those who knew him. Ed will always remain within our hearts, and we have included Ed and you in our daily prayers. May God give you strength. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you. With our deepest sympathy. Jean Embrey and Lorraine Ruiz
Anne Kelly
November 4, 2008
Bill, Joe, Karen,
Rosemary phoned me last night to let me know about. Memories are flooding my being....! My prayers are with you all.
Rosemarie Harkins
November 4, 2008
Ed was a great friend to my daughter, Megan. He always had a smile and a helping hand to offer. He will be missed. Thanks for touching our family.
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