Edgar P. Havey

Edgar P. Havey, of Reading, formerly of Everett, passed away peacefully on Friday February 25, 2022 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Edgar was the beloved husband of Margaret (Casey) Havey. Devoted father of Margaret Liotta and her husband Steven, Patricia Havey (Misthopoulos), Christine Havey (Pearson) and Amy Saggese and her husband Steven. Cherished grandfather of Jillianne, Evan and Gabrielle Liotta, Kristen, Kyle and Ryan Misthopoulos, Samantha, Sabrina and Phoebe Pearson, Nicholas and Michael Saggese. Dear brother of Thomas H. Havey and the late Walter E.Havey and Mary Havey.

Ed was the second of Edwina and Walter Havey's four children. Growing up in East Boston, Ed could be found riding on the top of street cars, pulling pranks with his brother, Walter, but also saving cats from trees, walking his sister to school, running any errand his mother needed and working with his father on everything from electrical to carpentry. His nature made him a helper, fixer, builder and a mentor. He had a sense of duty, and obligation and his optimistic nature made him a solution driven person. His remarkable patience and determination lasted until his final days.

After his brother joined the Navy, he was determined to do the same. Although he was not old enough, he convinced his father to sign the papers, much to his mother's chagrin. He was so proud to have served his country. Before leaving for the Navy, he was convinced by a friend who worked with him at Jordan Marsh to go on a blind date with his girlfriend's friend because they needed chaperones. That girl was Margaret Casey. She too worked at Jordan Marsh and the four of the went on a dinner cruise on the Charles River. The friends would not last as a couple , but Margaret and Ed would go on to fall in love and marry. They were married for 65 years, and their four daughters, eleven grandchildren and loving wife and dogs, Heidi and Casey were his life's purpose and greatest joy.

Family was his most important priority. His free time was family time. Every weekend in the summer he would take them camping and again for summer vacations to Canada and other wonderful destinations. He volunteered at their activities, sat patiently helping with homework, teaching them to buy cars and doing just about anything they asked of him. Often, he would get a call in the night that a car would not start or ran out of gas or someone needed a ride home and he was always there to answer the call. Boyfriends were welcome as long as they were gentleman, and willing to help with his latest house project. When the grandchildren arrived, he became a doting grandfather, present at every milestone and there to teach the lessons only a grandfather can. He was fortunate in later years to have some leisure time to play golf with his brother Walter and Thomas. This was a time he cherished.

Ed worked for most of his career as a production manager with Compugraphic (Agfa), a corporation at the forefront of computerized typesetting systems. While the work was exciting to him, what he spoke about most often, was the positive impact that those who worked for him would tell him he had on their lives. Reaching the age of retirement, he knew he still wanted to work. He was not one to sit still; being useful and productive was important to him. He would continue to work until he was 83. His last job was with Meals on Wheels, delivering food to the elderly, many of whom were younger than he. When his first granddaughter was born he took up a hobby making baby and children's wooden gifts. Family and friends kept asking him to make them as gifts they could give. The start of a small business that was truly a labor of love. His hallmark item was the "mini coat rack" which were purchased as gifts from people down the street to across the country. This brought him immense joy.

Throughout his life, Ed was involved in many organizations and charities. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and volunteered with Catholic Youth Organization Band and Color Guard while his daughters were members. He was also able to combine his love of theater and music by volunteering for GBARC, where he acted for 25 years in their fundraising musicals. He and Margaret had a wonderful group of lifelong friends and they traveled and took cruises as a group and often spent New Year's Eve together and attended all of each other's life event celebrations. One of his most valued traditions was the annual family reunion on the Fourth of July, where a cookout and softball game were the hallmarks of the day. This tradition has gone on for over 50 years and the Havey-Hoey bond remains strong because of it.

Ed was always doing for others, happy to be in the background helping others shine. He found his own time listening to music, riding his bike, sitting in the sun and puttering around the yard. A favorite summer memory is watching him drive off to work, Beachboys playing on the radio, convertible top down, completely at peace with the world. He is now truly at peace from a life well lived.

Funeral from the Doherty Barile Family Funeral Home 11 Linden St. READING on Saturday March 5, 2022 at 10 am followed by a Funeral Mass Celebrating Edgar's Eternal Life in St. Athanasius Church 300 Haverhill St. Reading at 11 am.

Family and friends are kindly invited to gather and share memories with the family on Friday March 4, 2022 from 4 pm to 7 pm in the funeral home. Parking attendants and elevator available.

Please consider donations in memory of Edgar to the Bedford VA Hospital Springs Road Bedford MA 01730 or to Care Dimensions Hospice 75 Sylvan St. Suite B-102 Danvers MA 01923.