Published in the July 14, 2017 edition
MIDDLETON — Edward S. Thistle, 44, of Middleton, passed away on Monday, July 3, 2017, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Ed was born in Melrose on April 4, 1973, and was the oldest of three children. Raised in Wakefield and Andover, he spent countless hours playing youth hockey in Wakefield, and later at Andover High School. Eddie graduated from Andover High as a member of the Class of 1991.
Eddie, from the time he was a little boy, always wanted to work with his Dad. At age 13, he began going along for the ride with his father who operated a safe and vault company, Ideal Safe, Inc. After graduating from high school, he worked full-time as a rigger and safe and vault technician, developing an expertise in the trade. He learned the necessary skills to service, manipulate, and open safes and loved it. He and his father traveled together, working in a new location every day from Bangor, Maine to New York City. While helping his Dad run the business, Eddie also developed a love for working with time clocks.
An athlete in his youth, Ed had several good buddies from his hockey days in Wakefield and Andover. At home, he enjoyed watching the Boston sports teams, relaxing in the backyard pool, or playing with the cousins. The loss of Eddie leaves a great void, but the many happy memories and the love of his family continue on. He will be dearly missed, but always remembered as a loving, devoted son.
Ed was the beloved son of Edward W. Thistle and the late Adeline J. “Addie” (Lally) Thistle of Middleton. He was the loving father of Jake Thistle of North Andover. He was the cherished brother of Todd T. Thistle of Hampton Beach, New Hampshire; and Courtney J. Thistle of West Peabody. He was the caring nephew of Paula O’Brien of Haverhill; Robert Lally of Andover; Louise MacDonald of Florida; Gene Finamore of New Hampshire; the late Elsie Clough; and the late Wallace, John, William, Lester, Richard, Wesley, and Mary Thistle. He is also survived by a niece, Piper, and many loving cousins.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Eddie’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Sunday, July 9, and again for his Funeral Service celebrated on Monday, July 10. Interment took place in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. Gifts in memory of Eddie may be made to the Brook Retreat, 55 Brook St., Plympton MA 02367. For directions, online tribute or to share a memory, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
