Veteran’s airline work enabled him to travel extensively
Published January 29, 2021
MELROSE — Edmond A. Marchant, 82, a longtime Melrose resident, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, with his family by his side.
Born in Somerville on April 18, 1938, he was one of three children of the late Francis and Mary (Lynch) Marchant. Loving brother of Laurence T. Marchant and his wife Dorothy of Colorado, and Francis L. Marchant and his wife Jean of Framingham.
He grew up in Somerville and graduated from Somerville High School in 1956.
After his graduation, Edmond enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1956, serving as an aircraft mechanic. He was honorably discharged in 1960 from SAC as an Airman 2nd Class.
After his time in the service, Edmond married his beloved Anne Patricia Murphy, and they went on to share 59 wonderful years together. Devoted father of Kelly Marsden and her husband Don of Wakefield, Michael Marchant and his wife Mary of Stoneham, Christopher Marchant and his wife Nanette of Malden, Sean Marchant and his wife Erica of Wilmington, and Danielle Marchant of Melrose. Cherished grandfather of Kyle Marsden and his wife Amanda, Alyssa Bak and her husband Kyle, Lauren Fiore and her husband Michael, Daniel Marchant and his wife Abby, Ryan, Tommy, Evan, Avery, Eamon, Gavin, Connor, Madelyn and Finn Marchant.
Ed went to work for Eastern Airlines in the air freight department, a job he loved, until Eastern went out of business in 1991. A man with a strong work ethic, he did not let that hiccup slow him down. He then went to work as a bus driver for the MBTA, Tufts University, and did long-haul semi driving. Through all of that, he also received his bachelor’s degree in social work from Salem State University.
Ed adored his family. He was exceptionally active in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives. Eddie, or “Dada,” was known for his bright blue eyes and his infamous broken camera. He was one of their biggest fans, always making time for family trips, which usually included a long, well-thought-out ride and was completed with a group photograph. Working for the airline afforded Ed and his family the opportunity to travel. They were able to travel all over the world, and he enjoyed learning about different cultures, geography and languages, especially Spanish. Locally, he and his family enjoyed spending time in Vermont and Maine.
Ed was also known as the family handyman. There was no job where he was not up to the challenge.
Ed was a member of Incarnation Church in Melrose, Somerville City Club, Carmen’s Union Local #589, BPOE Winthrop Lodge #1078, Melrose VFW Post #2394, American Legion Post #113 and IAM&AW Local #1726.
Ed’s love, kindness, and big heart will be missed by his dear family and friends.
Due to the public health crisis, all services for Ed will remain private. Interment will be at Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time when COVID restrictions are lifted.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Kraft Family Blood Donor Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.
To leave a message of love and support for the family, please visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com
