Edward Scannell

Edward W. Scannell Jr.

WORCESTER - Edward W. Scannell Jr., 83, of Worcester, died after a long illness on Tuesday, March 17, 2015, at the UMass-Memorial Medical Center surrounded by his family.

He leaves his wife of 56 years, Amelia F. (Rutana) Scannell; six children, Edward W. Scannell III and his wife Alison of Canastota, N.Y., Thomas J. Scannell and his wife Deborah of Worcester, Ann F. Scannell and her wife Hanya Bluestone of Worcester, John M. Scannell and his wife Doreen of Rutland, Paul F. Scannell and his wife Angela of Milton, and James M. Scannell of Utica, N.Y.; 13 grandchildren, Samuel and Sydney Scannell, Stephen and Geoffrey Scannell, Keara and Renny Bluestone, Matthew, Brian, Sean and Jillian Scannell, and Caroline, William and Katherine Scannell; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his three sisters, Mary Graw, Ann Carlstrom and Judith Donovan and his brother-in-law Victor Carlstrom. He is survived by his two brothers-in-law Charles Donovan and George Graw.

Ed was born in Worcester, son of Edward W. and Marion C. (Power) Scannell. He graduated in 1949 from North High School and in 1953 from the College of the Holy Cross. After serving in the Army in Korea during the Korean War, he did graduate studies at Boston University.

Ed was a property and casualty claims manager for the Aetna Insurance Co. where he worked for 35 years, retiring in 1994.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, the American Legion and the Holy Cross Club of Greater Worcester. He played softball in the Worcester Senior Softball League for many years.

Ed was a wonderful man. He was a devoted husband, whose 60-year love affair with Amy was as strong today as it was the day they met. He was a great father who was always there for his children and managed to fit every ball-game, birthday, play or event into a very busy life. He was a loving grandfather who adored his 13 grandchildren. He was a trusted adviser, who showed his children the right way to be a spouse, parent and friend.

Calling hours are Thursday, March 19, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral will be Friday, March 20, from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 25 Fales St., Worcester. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Our Lady of the Rosary Building Fund, 23 Fales St., Worcester, MA 01606.