Edmund Tarmey

Edmund F. (Ned) Tarmey of Lowell, passed away Monday, September 8, 2025 at 87 years old. He was born in Lowell, Mass on March 22, 1938 and was the son of the late Edmund (Deac) and Katherine F. Tarmey. He was raised in the Christian Hill neighborhood of Lowell. He graduated in 1956 from Keith Academy. He never married.
Ned was a lifelong resident of Lowell, the city he loved. He always had the pulse of the city. He cared deeply about everybody. He knew everybody. He was active in politics. He was proud to call himself a democrat with strong opinions. A friend once said that back in the day public officials would seek Ned out for advice. Many still did today. He did two weekly and local television shows, City Life and The dawn patrol. Far too often the following week on the shows, he would get live calls from viewers that he ticked off the week before. He handled it masterfully.
Ned worked for 32 years for the City of Lowell as the Executive Director of The Waterworks. He was always praised for working well with city managers. So well respected the waterworks is named The Edmund F. Tarmey Water Facility. He had a passion for bartending. He owned The Cinnamon Lounge in the 1970's. He also managed The Bowery on Salisbury Beach in the 70's, 80's and 90's. He just loved people.
Ned loved The Red Sox and The Patriots. He loved going to Fenway. He loved to travel. He often spoke of trips to Holland and Ukraine. He was saddened by the war today, a heavy heart for those in Ukraine. He loved cruises and trips to Florida and Aruba. He loved Aruba, his favorite place of all.
Ned had many friends and people were always honored to call him a friend. No friend closer than Fred Greenwood of Lowell. They were friends for 50 years, travel buddies, drinking buddies and get in a lot of trouble buddies. Ned was proud to call Fred his best friend. Ned considered Fred's family as if they had been his own family. He would be at every wedding, birthday, cookout and holiday. They traveled and vacationed together. Great memories!
Ned's greatest passion was his family. He never missed a gathering or a holiday. When he came through the door he lit up the room. Often bags filled with gifts for the children and a story to tell. Everyone loved Uncle Ned and Uncle Ned loved them. He had special bonds with all his first cousins who he remained close with all his life.
Ned is survived by one brother, William Tarmey of Pelham NH, two nieces, Kara Russo and her husband, Jim and son, Ashton of Epping NH, Erin Benoit and husband, Greg and son, Xavier of Dudley Mass. He is also survived by three nephews, Kevin Tarmey and Brian Tarmey of Pelham NH along with Jeffrey Tarmey and his girlfriend, Jodiann of Manchester NH. Jodiann (Toula) was Ned's caretaker for the last year and they became best of friends. Jeffrey's daughter, Brittney Ardiizzoni and husband, Chad of Hooksett NH along with grandchildren, Kadence and Carly.
Ned was greeted in heaven by his two late brothers, Thomas Tarmey 2009 and Leonard Tarmey 2020
Ned would always say. Though I may have lived my life a bit unconventional "I DID IT MY WAY"
In lieu of flowers, Ned has two organizations that have been near and dear to him. Donations can be made in Ned's memory to: bestbuddies.org Or -The Bridge Club Of Greater Lowell, 33 East Merrimack St., Lowell Mass 01852.
On Sunday, September 14, 2025 all are welcome to attend his calling hours from 2-6 p.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell 978-458-6816. His funeral will begin on Monday morning at 10 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by his funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Michael Church, 12 6th Street, Lowell. Burial at St. Patrick Cemetery. Find us on facebook or visit www.McDonoughFuneralHome.com to leave the family a message of condolence at any time.