Published in the November 15, 2018 edition.

WAKEFIELD — Edward F. McNeely, 83, of Wakefield, formerly of Melrose, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2018 at Melrose Wakefield Hospital in Melrose, Massachusetts

Ed was a caring husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle and a friend of many. Ed valued and cherished his family and was happy when they were all together sharing memories, stories and laughter. He loved watching his children grow up and was very proud of the men they are today. Ed was especially proud of his two grandsons, Benjamin and Nicholas spending time with them, watching them at sporting events; they were what made him smile every day.

Ed was a 1954 graduate of Malden Catholic High School and went on to earn his degree from Merrimack College in 1969. Ed was employed by Sylvania Electric for nine years, followed by employment with Hughes Aircraft for 30 years.

Ed was a member of Saint Vincent DePaul Society’s in St. Mary’s Parish for many years. He also enjoyed his involvement with Troop 635 of the Boy Scouts as the assistant scout-master and spent many weekends for numerous years as a skating instructor, teaching Melrose children how to learn to skate at Melrose Youth Hockey. Ed was an avid golfer and enjoyed his membership at the Bellevue Golf club where he also served as the club secretary for many years.

Ed was born in Malden on October 7, 1935 to the late Teresa B. (Burke) and Edward McNeely. He is survived by his loving wife for 54 years, Shirley McNeely of Wakefield, two sons Kevin McNeely of Melrose; James McNeely and his significant other Nancy Concemi of Wakefield; two grandchildren; Nicholas and Benjamin McNeely of Melrose, sister, Marie Burchfield and her late husband Victor of Luneburg, brother-in-law Richard Shea, and his wife Barbara of Osterville, former daughter-in-law Kathy Keohane. He also is survived by many nieces and nephews and several cousins.

Relatives and friends will gather in honor and remembrance of Ed’s life during visiting hours at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Friday, November 16 from 4-8 p.m. Funeral procession from Gately Funeral Home on Saturday morning, November 17 at 9:15 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Church, 9 Herbert St. Melrose at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be private. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com