Edward J. Fenlon

HAVERHILL - Edward J. Fenlon, 81, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2018, surrounded by his loving and devoted wife, Joanne (Nissi) Fenlon of 57 years and his children. He was born in Haverhill on July 9, 1937, son of the late John and Helen (McCusker) Fenlon. Edward graduated from Haverhill High School, New York Military Academy, Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY and Babson College in Wellesley. He interrupted his college to enlist in the U.S. Army and graduated from the U.S. Army Finance School, Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indiana, and returning to Babson upon his Honorable Education Discharge. Edward worked for Tyer Rubber Co., Andover and Raytheon Co., Andover, before entering into the Pallet and Container Industry in Methuen, then moving to the Penn Box Co. in Plaistow, NH. Mr. Fen always said a major part of his Penn Box success was the fantastic high school and college students that worked for him summers and school vacations. Upon retirement he took a six month appointment with Internal Revenue Service in Andover, which elongated into 15 years. He liked to refer to this as his quiet vocation which honored him with several awards. He was a former member of the NWPCA (National Wooden Pallet and Container Association), the New England Kiln Drying Association, Plaistow Board and Trade Association, and the Sacred Hearts Bradford School Board. He was a member of the Garibaldi Club and British Club, as well as a member and volunteer of Sacred Hearts Parish. Edward was an avid Boston sports fan, especially the Red Sox and Patriots and was a longtime season ticket holder of both teams. Grandpa Ed was also a constant presence at his children's and grandchildren's sporting events and school activities. Along with his loving wife, surviving family members include his five children, Paul of Portsmouth, NH, Edward and wife Kathleen of Haverhill, Karen Panaro and husband Mark of Atkinson, NH, John and wife Kara of North Hampton, NH, and Susan Archambault and husband Daniel of Andover; siblings, Kathryn Crowley and her late husband Robert of Groveland, John and wife Mary of Salem, NH; brother-in-law Paul Nissi and wife Roberta of Hilton Head, SC, brother-in-law the late Thomas Nissi and wife Patricia of Haverhill and his late sister-in-law Carla Nissi Wrenn. He also leaves behind his loving, younger family which he cherished and was so proud of, including his grandchildren, Ryan, Kevin, Jonathan, and Cameron Panaro, Matthew and Michael Fenlon, Lily, Seamus and Conor Fenlon, Patrick, Kalli and Braeden Archambault and many, many nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 31, in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 So. Main Street, Haverhill from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, celebrated in Sacred Hearts Church, 165 So. Main Street, Haverhill at 10:30 AM. Please meet directly at the church. Interment will follow in St. James Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Edward's memory may be made to the American Heart Association, 300 5th Avenue, Suite 6. Waltham, MA 02451 or the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill, 55 Emerson Street, Haverhill, MA 01830. For guestbook, please visit www.driscollcares.com