John Owen 'Jack' Edwards

John Owen Edwards (Jack), age 91, of Ashlar Village, Wallingford, formerly of Orange, passed away on November 26, 2010 at St. Raphael's Hospital. Jack was born in Cambridge, MA, on September 13, 1919, the youngest of five children of John Owen and Margaret Edwards. He was raised in Somerville, MA, and graduated from Boston University with a masters degree in education. On November 22, 1952, he married Marilyn McGinnis. He worked as a public school teacher and principal in Lebanon, CT, for several years before accepting a position as a sales representative for Laidlaw Brothers, a publisher of elementary and high school textbooks, where he remained for almost 25 years before retiring in 1981. Jack and Marilyn lived for 37 years in Orange, where they raised their three children and were active members of the Orange Congregational Church. In retirement Jack volunteered for FISH of Greater New Haven, as a driver and member of the board of directors. A member of the Masonic Order for 64 years, Jack was active in, and served as master of, Orange Lodge No. 143 A.M. & F. M. He was a life-long fan of the Boston Red Sox. His survivors include his wife of 58 years, Marilyn; his children Ellen Joy Edwards of Bronxville, New York, Jeffrey Owen Edwards (JulieAnne) of Vernon, CT, and Margo Jill Panyard (James) of Palmyra, PA; twelve grandchildren; and a sister, Eleanor White of Port Charlotte, FL. Jack will be remembered as a outgoing, fun-loving person, as a loving husband and father, and as a man who lived his faith through his devotion to service to his family, church, and community. A memorial service will be held at Ashlar Village on December 18th at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements in care of BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 WHITNEY AVE., HAMDEN. In lieu of flowers contributions in his memory may be sent to the Masonic Charity Foundation, P.O. Box 70 Wallingford, CT 06492 or to FISH of Greater New Haven, P.O. Box 8552, New Haven, CT 06531, (203-503-0107).