Retired Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds for NRPS
Published September 24, 2020
NORTH READING — Edwin H. Stiles, 89, of Peabody, formerly of North Reading and Malden, died at his home on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020 with his family by his side. Edwin fought a valiant battle against cancer. He was the loving husband for 53 years of the late Norma J. (Sinclair) Stiles.
Born in Melrose on April 10, 1931, he was the son of the late Hollis E. and E. Marie (Hills) Stiles. Ed was a graduate of Essex Agricultural Technical High School and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
Ed was a U.S. Air Force veteran, having served as captain from 1955-57. He was a member of the 804th Air Police Squad JAC and was stationed in Morocco and Georgia, U.S. He was a member of the Air National Guard from 1957-69.
Ed was a manager for Whittemore Greenhouse from 1956-72. He was the Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds for the North Reading Public Schools from 1972 until he retired.
Ed was a member of the North Reading Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star, as well as a member of the Senior Echos Choir in North Reading and North Reading High School Building Committee, the Stiles Family of America, and the Brooksby Singers.
He lived in North Reading for 53 years and was a resident of Brooksby Village in Peabody for the last eight years.
Ed was a proud fourth-generation Baker’s Islander who enjoyed spending time with his family, at the cottage or anywhere they happened to be. He always helped whomever he could, especially throughout his masonic career. Ed received the Joseph Warren Nettle Award for meritorious service. He also received the Past Masters 50-year certificate. He enjoyed sailing, boating, helping others and discussing the day’s events with his family while sitting on the deck.
Family members include his loving sons and daughters, James E. Stiles and his wife Cindy; Russell H. Stiles; Gail K. Morrison and her husband John; and Jane M. Colton and her husband Josh; eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister Ruth M. Buck.
Private family funeral services will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Baker’s Island Wharf Co. – Pier Project, care of Treasurer, 19 West Main Street, No. 16, Merrimac, MA 01860. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit: www.croswellfuneralhome.com.
