Edward G. Stankard

Eddie Stankard called his much-loved Waltham, "The City of Choice". Howard Street was his family home that he loved so much and lived at for over eighty-six years. It was the home that he grew up in and lived with his beloved wife Janice and where they raised their five children. It was the neighborhood home where his childrens' friends enjoyed hanging out. In recent years the front porch served as a summer gathering spot for music, refreshing mudslides, and great conversations. His home was always filled with lots of love and memories of many family holidays and gatherings over the years.

Eddie died at home on Wednesday February 17th, 2021 after an illness surrounded by his loved ones. He was 86.

Edward Gillespie Stankard was born April 22nd, 1934 in Waltham. A son of the late Joseph Clement 'Clem' and Gertrude (Cashman) Stankard. A graduate of Waltham High School, he later served in the United States Army. He married Waltham native Janice M. Erikson on May 21, 1961 at Saint Mary's Church. The parish community was a second home and served as a steady anchor which they've cherished throughout their lives.

As a talented mason and plasterer, he took over the family business, M.F. Stankard & Son which was established in 1869 by his grandfather. His father Clem passed the business down to Eddie which he operated until he retired at the age of 78, as planned his son Michael now operates the family business. Many remember fondly, Eddie and Michael working together and exchanging banter on job sites, they were a father & son team for many years.

Eddie enjoyed good conversation, daily reading of many favored newspapers, a James Patterson book, or an autobiography. He was a devout New England Sports fan always watching and cheering on the team in the basement family room. Date nights with Janice, Sunday trips to Hingham, golf, the company of his family and friends, and dining out with a Bacardi and coke in hand were by far his treasured times! Eddie and Janice also enjoyed yearly vacations to Aruba, Florida, and Cape Cod.

He will be lovingly remembered for his devotion to family and the church, his proud Irish heritage, his quick wit and strong will. Eddie always had a humble demeanor, which will be remembered and missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his wife of 59 years, he's survived by their children, Cheryl M. MacDonald (Richard Daisy) of Concord, Linda A. Carroll (Darryn) of Norwood, Deborah A. Hirshom (Robert) of E. Walpole, Donna M. Tetrault (William) of Franklin, and Michael E. Stankard (Lisa) of Waltham; his grandchildren, Kelly MacDonald Arsenault (Ryan), Kara MacDonald, Lauren, Kyle, and Marc Hirshom, Derek and Sean Tetrault, Samantha and Jessica Stankard, Marcus Daisy, Maegan Tetrault, Samantha Davis (Jon); his brother John 'Jack' Stankard (Jacquelyn) of Marlborough; many nieces and nephews with whom he had close relationships.

He was also the brother of the late Joan King (late Donald).

Family and friends will honor Edward's life by gathering for calling hours on Tuesday February 23rd from 4 to 7 pm at The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday morning at 10 am at Saint Mary's Church, 133 School Street, Waltham. Burial with military honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Those wishing to view Eddie's Funeral Mass may also do so by visiting https://my.gather.app/remember/edward-stankard on Wednesday February 24th at 10 am.

Memorial donations may be made to Saint Mary's Parish, 133 School Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02452 or Dana-Farber Cancer institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115 or www.danafarber.org