Edward J. Roy

"Edward J. Roy, 85, of Chicopee, beloved husband of the late Lorraine (Cardinal) Roy, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at the Soldiers Home of Holyoke with the love and support of family and caregivers. Born on July 4, 1928, Edward was the son of the late Anthoni Peter and Katarzyna (Bozek) Roj. After graduating from Holyoke High school, Edward enlisted in the Navy in 1946 and served as a weatherman during WW II. Afterwards, Edward attended night school at Western New England College and obtained his BS in Mechanical Engineering. He accomplished this while working full time and raising a growing family. He lived in Chicopee all of his adult life and worked for James River Graphics as an Engineering Manager for 25 years. He was also the owner of Roy's Tropical Fish Store in Holyoke for many years. Edward had many joys in life. He loved growing flowers and vegetables, fishing with his friends, and vacationing on Cape Cod and Aruba, but he especially loved spending time with his wife and family gathered around him in his backyard swimming, playing cards and horseshoes, and entertaining all with his sense of humor. In addition to his wife of 57 years, Lorraine, Edward was predeceased by this son Edward R. Roy, his infant grandson, Edward C. Roy, and his brothers Joseph Roj and Sebastian Roj. He leaves two beloved children, Joanne Gosselin and her husband Dennis of Belchertown and Christine Wallin and her husband William also of Belchertown. Edward also leaves his loving daughter-in-law, Christine Roy of So. Hadley. He is also survived by a sister Mary Aikenhead and her husband William of Palm Harbor, FL, and sister-in-laws Mary Roj of Pensacola, FL and Margo Cardinal of Chicopee. Edward especially treasured time with his grandchildren, Michael Roy and his wife Jennifer of Westerly, RI, Kimberly King and her husband Jeffrey of Southwick, Matthew Roy of So. Hadley, Jillian Gould and her husband Scott of East Longmeadow, Laura Pinsonnault and her husband Paul of Springfield, William Wallin of Belchertown and Heather Wallin and her fiancé Sam Walker of Belchertown. He also leaves his very loved great grandchildren Zachary, Allyson, Jaxon, Gavin, Scarlett and a soon to be born new great grandbaby that he was so happy about. He also leaves many loved nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2014, from 5:00-7:00 pm, at the Beers and Story Funeral Home at 646 Newton Street in South Hadley, MA. Edward's funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2014, beginning at the funeral home between 10-10:15 a.m., followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial in St. Patrick's Church in South Hadley, MA at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Mater Dolorosa Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Edward's name may be made to the Holyoke Soldiers Home, 110 Cherry St., Holyoke, MA 01040. For details, visit www.beersandstory.com "