Edward S Harrison

Monson-Edward S. Harrison, 83, died at home surrounded by his loving family on February 12, 2023.  Born in Waterbury, Connecticut to Samuel and Helen (Lagownik) Harrison, he grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts with his two younger sisters.  He graduated from Classical High School and Trinity College.  After serving stateside in the U.S. Army as a Green Beret, he began a career with Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company that lasted until his retirement as a Senior Systems Analyst in 1996.  He settled in Monson, Massachusetts where he raised his family and became a dedicated servant to his community in a variety of roles.  From 1983 through 2021, he served on twelve different town committees and was a member of the Select Board for seven terms.  Ed was an integral member of the Unitarian Universalist Parish of Monson.  He lent his time and talents to support the church, fulfilling the role of treasurer, helping to refurbish and run the book store, and completing a myriad of other tasks, great and small.  Ed was an avid runner and cyclist, finishing the Boston Marathon multiple times and competing in Iron Man events.  He found joy in fishing with his grandson, Patrick, gardening, and spoiling all of the dogs. An ideal day ended with ice cream and a Tree House beer.  Ed was a devoted son and brother, and a loving father.  He was humble, generous and kind. Deeply loved, Ed will be greatly missed by his adoring daughters, Cheryl, Heather, Holly, Melissa, Rebecca, and Alice; his sons-in law Bill, Jon, Rob, and Alan; his former wife, Peg; his grandchildren Patrick & Kerry, Brittany, Jeremy, Jake, Benji & Joe, Emma, Jaeda, Alessandra, Julianna and Jacob, and great grandchildren Lyla and Brooks; his sisters Susan and June; nieces and nephews, extended family, members of his church, and many, many beloved friends.  We are comforted knowing he is reunited with our dear Elizabeth.

There will be a small private family ceremony in the summer.  To celebrate and honor Ed’s life, consider a way you might serve your community. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his memory to the Unitarian Universalist Parish of Monson or to the Elizabeth Harrison Memorial Scholarship Fund through Monson Savings Bank.  Our appreciation to all whose love and care enriched the life of our “dear old dad.”