Maurice E. Needham of Andover passed away on January 3, 2015 at the Veterans Hospital in Bedford. He was born on April 25, 1918 to the late Ernest and Susie (Howe) Needham. He was formerly from Medford and lived in Andover for 35 years. He was married for 68 years to the late Mary C. (Driscoll). He proudly served in the Navy on the USS Mugford and the USS San Francisco. He worked for H.P. Hood and Sons for over 26 years and belonged to the Quarter Century Club. We were blessed to have had him in our lives for as long as we did. We will remember him for his great sense of humor and his kindness to others. His love of family was the most important part of his life.He leaves behind a son Maurice E. Needham Jr. and wife Marjorie of Manchester, daughter Barbara Morey and husband the late Frank Morey of Andover, daughter Joyce Rittershaus and husband Frank of Andover, sister Marjorie O'Brien of Daytona FL. His loving 10 grandchildren Gary and Joanne Needham, Beth (Needham) and Michael Ross, Christine (Morey) and Michael Galatis, Mark Needham, Laurie (Rittershaus) and Steve Martin, Denise (Morey) and Scott Carleton, Brian and Kristen Rittershaus, Frank and Suzy Morey, Cheryl (Rittershaus) and Michael Murnane, Michelle (Morey) and Joshua Nelken and 22 great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his brothers Ernest, Everett, Raymond and Edward Needham. He leaves several nieces and nephews. Funeral service in the Cota Funeral Homes, 335 Park St. (corner of Park St. and Rte. 28) NORTH READING, at Reading line on Saturday, January 10 at 11am. Relatives and friends may visit at the funeral home Saturday 9am-11am. Interment Spring Grove Cemetery, Andover. In lieu of flowers, Donations may be made in Maurice's name to the Professor Frank E Morey Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Salem State University Foundation, 352 Lafayette St. Salem MA 01970. This scholarship will benefit a student pursuing a teaching degree.

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