Julian "Ed" E. Szarlan

Monson- Julian E. "Ed" Szarlan, 90, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by the love of family, May 20, 2021.  Ed was born in the Indian Orchard section of Springfield April 21, 1931 to the late Julian M and Cecelia (Cieplik) Szarlan.  He was a graduate of Springfield Technical High School class of 1949.  He served honorably in the US Army from 1951-1953.  Upon his discharge he pursued his career with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in Hampden County.  He retired in 1988 as the district manager of life insurance and securities.  Ed was a communicant of St. Patrick's Church in Monson.  He served as a cemetery commissioner and was a voter registrar for many years.  Ed was the Chairman of the Monson Housing Authority during the land purchase and completion of Colonial Village.  He was chairman of the Republican Town committee and a director of the Monson Free Library for many years.  Ed enjoyed his retirement years spending time in the Florida Keys chasing bone fish in the flats and fishing the reefs for yellow tail.  His passion was, first his love of family and then his garden.  He would spend the winter months planning the crops and then spring, summer and fall -planting, tending and harvesting,  sharing the bounty with family and friends. Ed's greatest gift was being a good friend to all who knew him.

Ed was predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Yvonne A. (Gibeau) Szarlan in 2015 and their son, Edward J. Szarlan in 2017.  He leaves a son, Michael E. Szarlan of Delaware; a daughter Donna M. Maher and her husband Gregory of Illinois; daughter in-law, Carolyn E. Szarlan of Mashpee; six grandsons, Mike Szarlan, Peter Szarlan, David Maher, Jim Maher, Adam Szarlan, and Ryan Szarlan and seven great grandchildren with one on-the-way.

Visiting hours will be held, Wednesday, May 26, 2021 from 5-7pm in Lombard Funeral Home 3 Bridge St. Monson.  Funeral services will be Thursday, May 27, 2021 beginning at 9am at Lombard Funeral Home with Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10am in St. Patrick's Church,  burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery all Monson.