Edward S. Mansfield

SALEM-Mr. Edward S. “Ted” Mansfield, 84, of Salem, beloved husband of Lynn (Crissman) Mansfield passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 24, 2021 in the loving care of his devoted wife.

Born in Boston, he was the son of the late Edward B. and Eleanor J. (Hosmer) Mansfield. He was raised in Arlington and Winchester, was a graduate of Winchester High School and received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Aerospace Engineering from Boston University. He also attended undergraduate and graduate classes at Tufts, Boston College and Wentworth Institute.

Ted proudly served as a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force, earning an honorable discharge and subsequently enlisting in the Air National Guard. During the Berlin Crisis he was called up and was stationed in France on active duty for a year. Upon his return he continued to serve until 1985, rising to the rank of Brigadier General and Deputy Commander of the Massachusetts Air National Guard.

In civilian life he spent his career as an Aerospace Engineer with the Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratory where he worked with sounding rockets and balloons. Over the years he was sent on numerous launch trips to locations both remote (the New Mexico desert and North Dakota) and exotic (Antarctica and the South Pole).  He was an experienced sailor and private pilot owning several single engine planes before developing an interest in soaring later in life.

A loving husband, father and grandfather, Ted was devoted to his family and was truly happiest with them (when he couldn’t be flying of course). An avid runner, he remained physically active well into his 80s, walking 18 holes of golf regularly during the summer and skiing with his son and granddaughters in the winter. He loved spending time at Osgood Park with his wife and neighborhood friends and kayaking around Salem Harbor, often photographing osprey and other birds he encountered. He was an incredibly humble man, but when coaxed into telling stories (especially about his military exploits) would hold his audience spellbound.  He will be sorely missed by his family and countless friends he made and kept throughout his life well lived.

Surviving Ted are his loving wife of 54 years Lynn, his children, Amy L. Mansfield of Bradenton, FL and Edward “Cris” Mansfield and his wife Meredith of Nashua, NH, his granddaughters, Ainsley and Eleanor Mansfield of Nashua, NH, his sister Diana Frost of Durham, NH and many nieces and nephews.

ARRANGEMENTS: A celebration of Ted’s life will be held at the Hawthorne Hotel, 18 Washington Square (on Salem Common) Salem, Saturday, March 19, 2022 from 1 to 4 P.M . Assisting the family with the arrangements is O’Donnell  Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM, MA. In lieu flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in Ted’s memory to Plasminogen Deficiency Foundation 608 South Bend Drive Durham NC 27713. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.

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