Edward W. Lyons

Edward W. Lyons of Woburn passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 2, 2014 with his loving wife of 43 years, JoAnn (Cohen) by his side. He was 85 years of age.

Born and raised in Cambridge, Ma, "Ed" attended Cambridge High and Latin. At the age of 17 Ed enlisted in the United States Navy serving as a Radio Man. Ed proudly served his Country for two years.

On July 1, 1950, Ed married his high school sweetheart Mary (Rigazio). Together they had six children before Mary lost her life to breast cancer in 1967.

On October 10, 1956, Ed became a patrolman for the City of Cambridge police department where he would dedicate the next thirty-one years of his life before retiring on May 10, 1987.

On May 21, 1971, Ed married the love of his life and best friend Joann. At that time he became step-dad to JoAnn's two children. He fostered a relationship of love and respect and he was proud to consider them "his kids".

While working full time for the C.P.D., Ed attended Middlesex Community College where he earned his Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice. Ed was always a dedicated worker. After retiring from the C.P.D. he worked part-time as a custodian at his church for a few years and then went on to work as a security at the Cabot Science Library at Harvard University until fully retiring at the age of 75.

Ed enjoyed many hobbies. Amongst his favorites were playing and watching golf, reading, doing the daily crossword puzzle and teaching his grandkids how to play chess and the piano. Ed's favorite hobby was his woodworking. After retiring he would spend many, many hours in his garage workshop where he proudly made various items for family, friends and neighbors. Whether it be a train, cheval mirror, or a chess set, Ed passionately enjoyed his woodworking.

Ed enjoyed traveling with his wife Joann. Together they went to many destinations and his all-time favorite spot was Hawaii.

Ed was a genuine "people person". He had the ability to strike up a conversation with anyone he came in contact with. He loved to share stories with his family and friends.

In addition to his loving wife Joann, he is lovingly survived by his children, Joseph Raboin and his wife Maureen, April Sapp and her husband Brad, Eileen Bradley and her husband Bill, Katherine Lyons, Ellen Connors and her husband Brian, Lisa Fabiano and her husband Tony, and Matthew Lyons, several grandchildren, a great-granddaughter and his faithful (dog) friend named Juneau.

Ed was pre-deceased by his first wife Mary and his son William "Billy" Lyons.

Funeral from the Barile Family Funeral Home 482 Main St. (RT 28) STONEHAM Monday September 8th, at 9am followed by a Funeral Mass Celebrating Edwards Eternal Life in St. Charles Borromeo Church 280 Main St. Woburn at 10am. Interment Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge. Family and friends cordially invited to gather and share remembrances with the Family on Sunday, September 7th, from 4-8pm in the Funeral Home. Parking attendants and handicapped elevator will be available.

Please honor Ed by making donations in his memory to Helping Our Troops, c/o StonehamBank, 80 Montvale Ave. Stoneham, MA 02180.

For more information, www.facebook.com/BarileFamilyFuneralHome