BEVERLY - Edward (Eddie) Charles Armstrong, 86, of Beverly, died peacefully on August 4th, 2024 at the home he loved. He was pre-deceased by his beloved wife Janice Ann (Wilber) who died in January 2021.  Ed was a devoted husband of almost 58 years to his wife Jan.  Ed was also a loving and proud father of their three children, Tracey Armstrong, David Armstrong and Amy McCay.  Ed was the son of the late Cora Elizabeth (Tuttle) Clark of Beverly, MA.

Ed was born in Deerfield, NH and was raised in Beverly, MA, graduating from Beverly High School in 1955. The foundation of Ed's life was his family and friends, his faith, his commitment to youth programs, music, his passion for sports and The New England Patriots as a season ticket holder since 1985.  Ed and his wife Jan were long-time members of the First Baptist Church in Beverly. Ed's grandchildren are the fourth generation of his family to attend this church which he was very proud of.  Ed served the church in many capacities including as Moderator and as a Deacon.  He especially loved his time as an advisor of the Youth Fellowship for decades and in particular during his years with his beloved friend, Rev. Nick Carter.  Ed also coached youth basketball in the "church league" in Beverly in the 1960's and 70's and played in the church softball league. Prior to his retirement, Ed worked at Wang Laboratories in Tewksbury and Ventron Corp in Beverly, as well as Ryal Side Liquors with his good friend George.

Education was very important to Ed and he was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren's accomplishments academically.  He served multiple terms on the Beverly School Committee from 1980-87 and served as President of the Committee in 1983.  He served for many years on The Anchorage House Board of Directors in Beverly, a home for youth in crisis.  He was given a Community Service Award for his work on Project Rap, Inc. in Beverly in 1985. He was also honored in 1985 by the Massachusetts State Senate with The Van Braun Community Service Award for his commitment to the youth and families within his community. He also represented Beverly on the Board of Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School Committee from May 2017 – December 2019.

Ed played in the first Massachusetts Little League and scored the first home run of the League. In 1950 Ed was a leading hitter with a .580 batting average in the Beverly Little League and was featured in The Boston Globe.

At fourteen years old, Ed saved a seven-year-old named Donald Hart from drowning in Breed's Pond in Lynn.  Ed's bravery was recognized by The Boston Red Sox who invited him to sit in the dugout for a Sox Indians game next to team manager Lou Boudreau.  He also received batting lessons from Dom DiMaggio and Billy Goodman before the game. Ed remained in contact with Don and his wife meeting occasionally for lunch until Don recently passed.

As a young man, Ed was the lead singer in The Four Notes, an a cappella quartet, with Gordon Abbott, Charlie and Skooma Manuel.

Ed enjoyed playing golf and had the opportunity to travel to Ireland and Scotland to play.  Ed served honorably in the US Army beginning in 1956.

Ed loved rock and roll, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, AC/DC and other talented artists including Neil Diamond and Fleetwood Mac.  Ed played the guitar and loved going to concerts.

Ed was bursting with pride for his three children.  After long days at work, Ed would be on his hands and knees playing with his children with The Beatles playing in the background.  He found joy in simple moments with all of his family and especially loved waking his young kids up at 5am to surprise them with a drive to Maine or Cape Cod.

Ed loved Beverly.  Sunday night concerts at Lynch Park, Homecoming and The Lobster Fest (especially the music). He loved watching birds in his backyard as they flocked to his birdfeeders.

He loved watching his grandchildren in all their events from dance to football, lacrosse to soccer, band to chorus, playing guitar and singing. He was a superfan for Beverly youth sports and would occasionally be mentioned by the booth on BevCam broadcasts.  He loved family vacations, especially with his grandchildren, including his time in Longboat Key with his family.

Ed is survived by his daughters, Amy McCay and her husband, Jarrod and Tracey Armstrong and her husband, Glen Johnstone all of Beverly, his son, David E. Armstrong and his wife, Michelle (Clement) of Concord, NH, his grandchildren, Abigail Grace Johnstone, Andrew Hale Johnstone, Cameron David Armstrong, Griffin Edward McCay, William August Johnstone, Dylan Jarrod McCay, Callan Michael McCay and Ruby Elizabeth McCay, his sister-in-law, Nancy E. Vinton and her husband, Wayne of Medway and their sons Craig Vinton and his wife Sasha, and Kevin Vinton, his dear friend Danny Oliveira and his wife Eva.

Ed's family is very grateful to his many caregivers, including Aberdeen Home Care, Senior Care and Care Dimensions for their outstanding care.

ARRANGEMENTS: Friends are invited to a funeral service for Ed at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals - Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (rte 62) DANVERS on Tuesday, August 13th at 11 am, followed by a graveside service at North Beverly Cemetery. Visiting hour prior to service from 10 to 11 am. For a Live Stream of the funeral service, please join by clicking here: Tribucast of Funeral Service for Edward Armstrong . In November, the family invites all friends to a Celebration of Life for both Ed and Jan Armstrong at 2:30 pm on Saturday, November 30th at the First Baptist Church in Beverly, 221 Cabot Street. In lieu of flowers, the family invites friends to consider a donation in Ed's memory to Harborlight Homes, whose affordable housing mission was a long-time passion of both Ed and Jan. C/O Harborlight Homes, PO Box 507, Beverly, MA 01915, or harborlighthomes.org/donate/ To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com

Harborlight Homes
 PO Box 507, Beverly MA 01915
Web: https://harborlighthomes.org/donate/