Edward A. Downs, 72

Edward A. Downs, age 72, of Wilmington, died peacefully on March 14, 2013, following a lengthy illness.

Ed was born in Wakefield on August 10, 1940, son of the late Glenn and Phoebe (Carpenter) Downs.  Ed moved to Wilmington at a young age when his family bought the “Pettingill Farm” located at Perry’s Corner in South Wilmington. Ed was part of a large family and they all worked the farm.

Ed married Joan M. Eisenhaur in 1966, the couple settled in Wilmington and together raised three wonderful children.  Ed was very devoted to his family and he especially loved being “Grampy” to Angela, Blake, and Leah.  Ed enjoyed their many family holidays, celebrations, and just getting together.

Prior to retiring, Ed worked for the Town of Wilmington for over 30 years; in the parks and grounds department.  Ed had a strong work ethic and a wonderful personality, these traits did not go unnoticed when he was recognized for all of his efforts by being named “Grounds Keeper of the Year.”

Ed will be fondly remembered as a quiet, kind, caring, and friendly man who loved the outdoors. He enjoyed working in his yard, gardening and tinkering in the shed.

Edward was the beloved husband of 46 years to Joan M. (Eisenhaur) Downs, devoted father of Edward A. Downs, Jr. and his wife Sharon of Nashua, NH, Shelly L. Cunha and her late husband Joseph of Tewksbury, and Chad A. Downs and his wife Michelle of Chelmsford, loving grandfather to Angela Cunha, Blake and Leah Downs, brother of Francis Downs and Forrest Downs both of Wilmington, Clifton Downs of Mansfield, Stella Flynn of Reading, the late Geneva Morrison, Charlotte Godett, Pauline Russo, Clayton, Clesson, Harvey, and James Downs.  Ed is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather at the 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington for a Funeral Service on Wednesday, March 20th at 11:30 a.m.  Interment Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington.  Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, March 19th from 4-8 p.m.  In lieu of flowers donations in Edward’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472.