Edward F. Clary

   Edward Frank Clary, born on March 10, 1934, in Nutley, New Jersey, passed away on January 18, 2025, at UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester, Massachusetts, following a brief illness. He was 90 years old. He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Audrey; their children William (Beth), Martha, and Jennifer (Scott) MacGregor; and his grandchildren Madeline, William, Cora, and Catherine. He was predeceased by his parents Willard and Elizabeth Clary and his brother John.

   Ed graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1957, where he met the love of his life, Audrey M. McLaughlin. They were married in 1956. Ed fulfilled his ROTC obligation at Ft. George G. Meade, where he obtained security clearance. He began his career in the private sector in Nashua, New Hampshire, while earning his master’s in electrical engineering from Northeastern University. Ed took great pride in his contributions to telecommunications work supporting the Apollo Space missions. This led him to an opportunity with Honeywell in Peterborough, New Hampshire. 

   The turbulent economic times of the 1970s brought various employment changes. Ed completed his engineering career designing test systems and quality control protocols for Bose Sound Systems. Ed and Audrey joined the Unitarian Church in Stow, MA and became engaged in volunteering with various committees and outreach programs for the church. This community outreach continued when they moved to the Worcester area and joined the local Unitarian church.

   There was a creative and inquisitive element to Ed's character expressed through gardening, home electronics, chess, woodworking, and later delight in mystery novels. The home he built in Peterborough boasted a large vegetable garden, despite the sandy soil. His next venture produced abundant tomatoes, zucchini and pumpkins--situated on an old horse pasture in Acton, MA. He later transitioned to windowsill gardening, successfully growing amaryllis and other ornamentals for several years.

   Following retirement he assembled a fine workshop. Building on his previous experience designing marble rollers, Ed enjoyed designing and crafting toys with wheels and moving parts for his grandchildren. His last project was a “Little Library” for his daughter-in-law Beth, built in partnership with son Bill.

   Throughout his life Ed enjoyed time at the family camp in New Hampshire. There were always projects waiting for attention, fish waiting to be caught, and family card games to enjoy.

  Ed shared a love of travel with Audrey. While they enjoyed trips to Europe, he often said his favorite adventures were exploring the United States.

   Arrangements for the funeral are being made at Callahan Fay Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St, Worcester, MA 01608. A private burial will take place at the Veterans Cemetery in Winchendon, Massachusetts. A Celebration of Life will follow on February 14, 2025, at 9:30 am at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester located at 140 Shore Drive, Worcester, MA. Donations in Ed’s memory may be made to Dismas House (https://www.dismasisfamily.org/ ), Post Office Box 30125, Worcester, MA 01603.

           May Edward’s memory bring comfort to all who knew him and inspire others to cherish life’s simple joys.