Edward J. Early Jr.

Former Mayor of Lowell,

State Representative, and Middlesex North County Register of Deeds

LOWELL

Attorney Edward J. Early Jr., 92, a lifelong resident of Lowell, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on September 4th. He was predeceased by his wife and high school sweetheart Theresa "Honey" Molloy whom he celebrated 42 wonderful years of marriage. He was the son of the late Edward J. and Madeleine (Conlin) Early and Brother of the late Charles B. Early.

He grew up in the Sacred Heart Parish where he was known by family and friends by his nickname "Buddy". He graduated from Keith Academy in 1949 where he was a standout center fielder. In 1953 he graduated from Boston College with a degree in Sociology. After graduating from Boston College, he attended Officer Candidate School in Newport RI and proudly served his country as a Lieutenant in the US Navy aboard the Destroyer USS Haley DD-556 from 1953-1956. Upon returning home to Lowell, he was employed at the Tewksbury State Hospital as a social worker for several years while attending Suffolk Law school in the evenings. He graduated from Suffolk Law school in 1962 and practiced law in the City of Lowell until his retirement at the ripe old age of 80.

In addition to his legal career, he ventured into politics, where he truly thrived. He served 8 years on the Lowell City Council and served as Mayor from 1966-1967 at the tender age of 34. Mayor Early was instrumental in Lowell being selected in the Model Cities Program. This visionary leadership while Mayor was a catalyst for the revitalization of Lowell. He furthered his political career by becoming a respected two-term State Representative from 1973-1977. He was elected Middlesex County Register of Deeds in 1977 and served 3 terms until his retirement in 1995. He was honored by the City of Lowell dedicating the Edward J. Early, Jr. parking facility for his many years of service to the Lowell community. In his spare time, he enjoyed traveling with family and friends to Seabrook Beach, Sanibel Island, Foxwoods, Bermuda, and Saratoga. Always up for a game of 45's or his regular Friday afternoon happy hour(s) with his lifelong friends (cronies) and family.

He is survived by his 4 children, Debra and her partner Brian Treanor, Kathleen Doyle, and her husband Michael, Attorney William Early and his wife Ann, and Gail McGowan, and her husband Scott. His Grandchildren, Shannon Smith, and her husband Corey, William E. Early and his wife Sarah, Peter Early, Christine Creegan and her husband Colin, Sergeant First Class Scott McGowan, and his wife Stephanie. Great grandchildren Daniel Smith, Madeleine Creegan and Liam McGowan.

He is also survived by his sister-in-law Doris Molloy and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends whose lives he touched.

Family and friends may call at THE FAY McCABE FUNERAL HOME, 105 MOORE STREET IN LOWELL on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2023 from 2 until 7 PM. Ed's FUNERAL will begin on MONDAY MORNING at 10 o'clock from the Funeral Home, followed by his FUNERAL MASS at 11 o'clock at THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH, 144 E. Merrimack St. Lowell. Burial will take place in St. Mary's Cemetery, Tewksbury.

In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, donations can be made in memory of Edward J. Early Jr. to The PLUS Company, 19 Chestnut Street, Nashua NH 03060 or by going to www.pluscompany.org



View the online memorial for Edward J. Early, Jr.