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Ruggiero Family Memorial Home - East Boston

971 Saratoga Street

East Boston, Massachusetts

Edward Contilli Obituary

CONTILLI Edward Sr., Ret. BPD of South Hamilton formerly of East Boston peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Friday evening June 16, 2017 beloved husband of over 42 years to Karen (Marsilia) Contilli devoted father of Edward Contilli Jr and wife Megan of East Boston, Michael Contilli and wife Ashley of Beverly. Dear brother of Pamela (Contilli) Ashman and husband Paul Sr., of Saugus and the late Virginia Pallotta and Richard Contilli adored grandfather of Mia, Ava, Anthony and Lorenzo also survived by his many loving nieces and nephews and many cherished friends. Family and friends will honor Edward's life by gathering in the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home, 971 Saratoga Street (Orient Heights) EAST BOSTON on Saturday, June 24, 2017 from 12 Noon 5:00 P.M. in a celebration of Edwards life. Proprietor of Eddie C's Lounge and US Army Veteran Vietnam conflict Funeral and cremation services are private. Funeral home is handicapped accessible, Children's lounge available, courtesy valet parking front entrance for complimentary transportation to funeral home please call 617-569-0990, ample off street parking with attendant in our several off street parking lots. In honor of Eddie, in lieu of flowers memorial donations my be made to The Angel Fund for ALS 649 Main St., Wakefield 01880. Edward was born in Boston on February 25, 1948 to the late Michael and Santa (Gaeta) Contilli Edward growing up in East Boston was one of Eastie's greatest athletes, excelling in all sports he was involved in after serving his country with dignity and honor during the Vietnam conflict he returned back to East Boston and soon become one of Boston Finest serving his community for over 26 years. He later purchased the old Vincent's Bar B Que in Maverick Sq and renamed it Eddie C's and it soon became the place to eat and meet friends, and it is still operating in Maverick Sq., East Boston today, Working, playing sports or defending our country and community, his greatest love was his family and his beloved wife Karen. And as Eddie became sicker from his disease his wife and sons and their families were there 24/7 for all his care. Right up until the end of his life he had a way to make everyone around him feel so special and his love for people was always shinning though no matter how sick he was. Eddie passed away with the dignity, grace and courage he lived with, on Friday evening June 17, 2017 with his beloved family where they had always been, right by his bedside as he entered into the peace he so deserved. For more info please visit www.ruggieromh.com RUGGIERO FAMILY MEMORIAL HOME EAST BOSTON 617-569-0990

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Herald from Jun. 20 to Jun. 21, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward Contilli

Sponsored by Ruggiero Family Memorial Home - East Boston.

Not sure what to say?





Chris Aylward

June 15, 2023

Ray, you must have had the greatest time with Eddie. He always had a smile and good word for everyone. Gone but not forgotten. His bless

Ray Poirier

June 13, 2023

Hard to imagine it´s been over 6 years since you passed! Will never forget all the fun we had and the stupid things that we both enjoyed.
Till we meet again my friend
Gugs

Ray Poirier

June 13, 2023

MaryLou DeFreitas

June 14, 2020

Karen & family... Dosn't seem possible it has been three years...Eddie has gone..
Special thoughts & Prayers to all of you always..Today with the
covid-19 virus and what is going on with the police.. He is
watching down.. Keeping an eye on all of us...Pam I remember
the old days back in East Boston....God Bless all of you...
MaryLou{LuLu} DeFreitas

Carl Ware

November 7, 2019

My job took me to the Maverick Square neighborhood occasionally over the past 20 years. Early on, we discovered Eddie C's as a good place for an afterwork drink. It was a good place, but always better when Eddie was present. I haven't been by there for a few years and only recently heard of Eddie's passing, but I wanted to cast my vote for Eddie as one of the all-time Good Guys. Belated condolences to his family and friends.

MaryLou DeFreitas

June 13, 2019

Karen and family Eddie is always in my prayers..
It doesn't get easy.. but knowing he is in heaven
with the rest of the family.. and no longer in pain! Eddie will
Always be in your heart...Love to Pam and her family too..
MaryLou[LuLu] DeFreitas *God Bless you and your family*.

Alycia Gravallese

June 16, 2018

Eddie,was a kind,generous man to everyone. He always had a smile on his face was always a happy man. Can't believe your gone r.i.p. You will be missed but never forgotten.

Anna Passariello

June 16, 2018

We never forget those people that leave an impression on us. Eddie was definitely one of those people. We are thinking of you and will always remember the special memories we keep in our hearts of Eddie and his family of happier times. Wishing God's blessings are with you today and always. Sincerely, Bobo & Anna Passariello

MaryLou De Freitas

June 16, 2018

Love and prayers are going to all of you... Karen, and children and his sister Pam..
I Lost my oldest sister Joan and Tom Sr. both to cancer with in two weeks..
the pain is always there...in our hearts.. They are watching over us from above..
They are our guardian angels... Love to all...Marylou['LuLu'] DeFreitas

Chris Aylward

June 16, 2018

Although in heaven you are not forgotten. I remember when you worked at station 11 and I was coming home from work at 1 in the morning , you pulled up in the cruser wanting to know what I was doing at this time in the morning . Then he recognized me and he broke out in his infectious increadable laugh. Only Eddie could make you feel so relaxed with his laugh. He then wanted to talk about the old days because he cared about the people he met through out the years. Friends to everybody he met and is missed greatly. Thanks for the wonderful memories Chris Aylward

Beth Thompson

July 1, 2017

Dear Mrs. Contilli, I am so sorry to hear of Eddie's passing. The few times I met and talked to him (and you) were always enjoyable. We aren't supposed to have favorite veterans but he was one of mine. My heart goes out to you and your family. What a wonderful man to have known.

Frank Maddalone

June 30, 2017

Pamela, I only found out today of Eddie's passing. I am so sorry for your loss and know that he is among the saints in the Lord's Kingdom
Frank Maddalone

Alycia Gravallese

June 28, 2017

I wanted to say that Eddie was the best he was always there when you needed him. I will always remember as a kind,caring,funny,goofy guy. May he r.i.p.

Pat Augusta

June 28, 2017

I am so sorry for your loss, Eddy was a great guy. I remembered playing ball with Eddy and his brother rich during our days in little league and high school. He will be missed by everyone he touched

June 26, 2017

Dear family I was saddened to hear of Eddy's passing. I went to EB High with him and played on the football team with him. He was a great fun loving guy and will truly be missed.
Frank Samprone

June 24, 2017

Dear Karen:
We were so saddened to hear of Eddie's passing. We just wanted you and your family to know that you will be in our prayers and thoughts.
Tom & Susan Nota

Joe and Charlene Turco

June 24, 2017

Dear Karen and family,

We are sorry for Eddie's passing his life was so large and full of joy that is hard to think of this world without him. He made knowing him a blessing that will never be forgoten

John Aylward

June 24, 2017

Dear Karen, Edward Jr. Michael

Time has passed but thoughts of old friends remain. Memories of the Rivalry, Southie and Eastie, Thanksgiving day games linger as if they took place yesterday. Meeting, as years passed, at sporting and social events, as police officers, and as friends will live on forever. My many years of friendship playing basketball with you Anthony Albano, Arthur Lewis, John Lewis, Paul,Pingaro Joe Leonie, would never had happened if you had not invited me to come over to East Boston's, Paris Street Gym and Play for the "PICKLES" Great fun Great memories You will be missed.

Bobby DeFreitas

June 24, 2017

My thoughts and prayers to Eddy and his family

I grew up in East Boston with Eddy. Whenever I think of him it's always the good times,; vacations together,, kids playing, family get togethers. I only wish I could bring those days back.

We all lost a dear friend but should be grateful for the time spent with him.,



Bobby DeFreitas

Ronnie & Carol Quinn

June 24, 2017

Our sincere condolences to the Contilli family.
I grew up with Eddie in the Maverick Square projects, he was great guy and a great friend.

L

June 22, 2017

The feelings of helplessness can seem overwhelming when coping with grief and heartache from the loss of a dear loved one. May you turn to the Inspired Word at Hosea 13:14 for strength and hope.

Aldo Ferrario

June 22, 2017

I grew up with Eddie in Maverick Street projects, played on the same high school basketball team with him in high school, and other leagues at the Paris Street Gym. Eddie was one of the best athletes and people to ever come out of East Boston. I am very sad to hear about his untimely passing. Thoughts and prayers for Eddie and his family.

John Ferrario Ferrario

June 22, 2017

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Edward. My deepest sympathies to the entire Contilli Family. May he rest in peace.

Roy Chambers

June 22, 2017

I sadly read of Eddie's passing and remember our days when we were sworn in as police officers. While in the old academy every lunch break Eddie, and Mike Cintolo would take us through the north end. Eddie could not go anywhere without somebody yelling out his name. He was by far the most popular man I knew. A lot of us including Eddie, Richie Halloran, Dave Aldrich, Keith Carlson and me all went to District 2 Roxbury and learned what it meant to be a Boston Police Officer. That was 46 years ago and seems like yesterday. Eddie will sadly be missed by his family and his second family who yelled his name from everywhere. "Hey Eddieee". You will be missed. My condolences to the Contilli Family.
Roy Chambers Class of 1970.

Ray Poirier

June 22, 2017

Sending our love and prayers to the Contilli family for your great loss.
Rest in Peace my dear friend

Maria Augusta

June 22, 2017

My sincerest condolences to the family for your loss. I pray that you have the peace of God that surpasses all understanding (Phillipians 4:6,7).

Patricia and Richard Voto

June 22, 2017

Eddie brought so many happy moments in our lives and left us with a treasure trove of memories. We will never be able to forget him. Karen, Eddie Jr.,Michael and Family, we are praying for you in this difficult time. May Eddie's soul rest in peace.

Brian Wallace

June 22, 2017

Karen and family. I grew up in South Boston and played basketball against Eddie from ten to seventeen years old. He was the toughest competitor I have ever played against. Eddie gave 110% every time he stepped onto the court of the football field. And boy, was he talented,

If there was a loose ball on the floor you know Eddie was going to dive for it. He would run over me and hug me when the game was over. He was the ultimate competitor. We remained friends all these years and he will live in my memory forever, RIP my friend.

June 21, 2017

Dear Karen and Family

So sad to hear this news. Ed was such a HUGE presence, always Bigger Than Life. So many happy memories of years past and all the nights sitting in the bleachers at all the Little League games. My deepest sympathies on your loss and many prayers coming your way. God Bless all of you.

Jackie and Joe bossi

June 21, 2017

Dear Karen and family, so sorry to hear about the passing of Eddie...It was a shock when we found out...He was always a joyful guy, and always wanted to be around him for a good laugh...May he RIP...OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY...JACKIE AND JOE BOSSI

Chris Aylward

June 21, 2017

Remember the days of south Boston vs east Boston football, basketball and baseball. Always remember Eddie as a hard working tough as hell athletic type of guy. Great Boston police officer and friend to many. Anyone who ever met him was put at ease with his great laugh and personality. You will be missed by the thousands of people you touched.

June 21, 2017

We send our deepest condolences to the Contilli family. We always got a big kick out of Eddie and his antics.One of my favorite memories of him is when carloads of us would drive from Hamilton to his bar for an evening of laughs. Eddie would put out bud vases with flowers and bowls of pretzels for his special company.- us.

His stories always had us on the floor . We will moss him dearly.

Monique and Bill Greilich
Salisbury, MA

Susan Panzini ( Zuffante )

June 20, 2017

A dear friend ,always there to help everyone with his big smile ,my heart goes out to Karen ,Eddie Jr ,and Mike ,,and his sister Pamela and the rest of the family .RIP my friend Eddie

Caroline Stella

June 20, 2017

Karen and Family,
My deepest condolences at this very difficult time.
Caroline(Fagone) Stella class of '67.

Jerry McDonald

June 20, 2017

I worked with Eddie at District Two and the Harbor Unit and I must say he was one of the kindest, funniest and generous human beings I had the pleasure to know.I regret that I had not seen him in a number of years, but I will always look back and cherish the fun and laughter that he provided to me and his comrades he worked with...God speed my friend.

Mike Casey(former MA resident)

June 20, 2017

Mr. Contilli,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your years of dedicated service and sacrifice-first for our Country when you served with the the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and later for the citizens of Boston when you served with the BPD. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Bill Murray

June 20, 2017

My condolences to your Family Ed . It's been many years since we both worked in Dist. 2 / Roxbury . You were a fun guy to know . Godspeed old friend ......

Christine Contilli

June 20, 2017

This is one of the saddest things I have ever had to write. Eddie was my brother-in-law, and the best one I could ever have asked for... To me, Eddie was a giant among men, funny as hell, invincible! Pme of the finest husbands, father, brother and friend you could ever ask for... He loved his wife, Karen, to the moon and back, he was a loving, exemplary, and devoted father; a loyal and lifelong friend. He was the best uncle to my daughter, Lisa Contilli Gould of Harwich, MA., who loved him sooo much!
Rest in Peace, funny guy, we will all be together again someday.
I love you!
Chris

MaryLou DeFreitas

June 20, 2017

Special thoughts and prayers going your way to the whole family..
Very sorry for your loss but know Eddie will always be in your heart..
God Bless him.. Marylou DeFreitas

June 20, 2017

Dear Pam and family, I am so very sorry to hear of Eddie's passing. Your family has been through a lot. Rest in Peace, Eddie.

Rita Graziano DeMasellis
East Boston

June 20, 2017

Karen, Michael and Eddie Jr.

I'm so sorry to hear this news. Eddie was such a great guy and I have many wonderful memories of him, and his kindness welcoming me into your home.

Our deepest condolences to all of you.

Tony and Anne Kelley ("Louisa") Silanskas

Anna & Bo Passariello

June 20, 2017

So sorry to hear this news. We remember how kind and loving you always were, especially when we were neighbors on Trenton St. in East Boston. Prayers for you & your family. Peace be with you. Bobo & Anna Passariello

Nancy Santaniello

June 19, 2017

Eddie was one of the best people I've known in my entire life. Generous, loving, authentic, funny, sympathetic and most of all a good "friend." You could be in the worst mood and Eddie would bring you out of it simply by stating a one liner that made you burst into laughter! Everyone was happy around Eddie. Everyone loved him. He will be sorely missed as he was truly one of a kind.

John Manganaro

June 19, 2017

My sincere condolences to family & friends. We had some good laughs along the way Eddie, good stories, great memories. Thank you for what you did for me Eddie, your in my heart and memory forever.
RIP

Frank Dewan

June 19, 2017

Eddie I'll never forget that infectious laugh when we were in the BPD Academy. You were full of fun and like a big teddy bear.
You were a great and fearless Police Officer and those of us that had the pleasure to know you will never forget you. RIP Eddie

My condolences to your family.

Alexis Laverde

June 19, 2017

Eddie , you will forever be in my heart and I will always be indebted to your support during difficult times. You were a wonderful friend to my dad and I thank you for that. Rest In Peace. Love and prayers to your family.

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971 Saratoga Street, East Boston, MA 02128

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