Edward August Link

NORTH READING - It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Edward A. Link, 90, who died peacefully at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, Massachusetts, on September 1, 2026, following a long illness. We remember Ed with love and gratitude, celebrating a life well lived and the many lives he touched along the way.

Born in Willow Springs, Illinois, on December 7, 1935, to Gustav and Marie Kasper Link, Ed was their only son and a beloved brother to Sharlene (Sherry) Wise of Virginia and the late Betty, Caroline, and Elsie (Kitty) Peters.

Following his graduation from Elmhurst High School, Ed worked for the Chicago and North Western Railway Company for one year before joining the U.S. Army. He proudly served as a Corporal in the Military Police in Stuttgart, Germany, from 1955 to 1959, receiving an honorable discharge. After completing his military service, Ed attended Southern Illinois University, where he met his first wife, Sharon Groff and earned his degree. Ed and Sharon were married for 25 years and raised their two children, Kimberly and Doug, while living in Kentucky and New York before eventually settling in Massachusetts, after Ed was transferred to GE’s Aeronautics & Space Division in Lynn. Ed dedicated 33 years to GE, working within the Accounting and Finance organization, retiring in 1996.

After Sharon’s passing in 1986, Ed found love again and married Dolores Hartery and welcomed Dolores and her two sons, Michael and Justin, into his family. Ed was a strong believer in the value of higher education and encouraged all four children to pursue their dreams and educational goals.

Ed and Dolores recently celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary on August 1, 2026. Their life together was filled with family, love, and many cherished memories.

Ed lived a life filled with activities and causes that brought him great pride and satisfaction. While living in Kentucky, Ed and his first wife, Sharon, became members of the NAACP, where they were active for three years. During this time, they also joined the Unitarian Universalist Church, drawn to its strong emphasis on social justice and community.

Ed was deeply concerned about America’s involvement in the Vietnam War. In 1967, he traveled by bus to Washington, D.C., with fellow members of his church to participate in a protest against the war, reflecting his willingness to stand up for causes in which he believed.

Ed’s commitment to service continued throughout his life. In1970, Ed was a charter member of the North Shore Regional Family Planning Council where he generously contributed his financial expertise as both a board member and Treasurer. He also volunteered as Treasurer of the North Shore Unitarian Universalist Church in Danvers for 30 years.

A lifelong lover of sports, Ed faithfully followed the Chicago White Sox, his hometown team, as well as the many New England sports teams he came to know and love. He especially enjoyed being involved in his children’s activities. He assisted in coaching his son Doug’s Little League teams and could often be found in the stands cheering Doug on at baseball and hockey games or Kim at her gymnastics meets. Beyond sports, Ed developed a greater appreciation for both music and art through his stepsons, Michael and Justin.

Ed also had a deep appreciation for history, particularly the history of the United States and Europe. An avid reader, he belonged to a North Shore book club for more than 30 years where he enjoyed the lively group discussions and good books.

Ed and Dolores shared a love of both domestic and European travel. He also treasured his trips to Virginia to visit with his sisters and their families. These journeys, along with the many experiences they shared at home became cherished memories of their life together.

In 2010 Ed and Dolores sold their home and left New England to explore life in the Southwest. They permanently settled in Scottsdale, Arizona, after wintering there for the previous 10 years. They enjoyed frequent summer trips to Utah to escape the Arizona heat, as well as regular family reunion trips back to Topsfield, Massachusetts. Then in 2021, Ed and Dolores returned to their New England roots and made North Reading, Massachusetts, their home once again, bringing them closer to family.

Ed is often described as a quiet and peaceful man, known for his sparkling wit, gentle nature, and loving, open heart. He had a way of bringing warmth and humor to those around him and will be remembered for the love he gave so generously to his family and friends. Ed will be greatly missed.

In addition to his beloved wife, Dolores, Ed is survived by his children, Doug Link and his wife, Michelle; Kimberly Link-Baas and her husband, Timothy; Michael Hartery; Justin Hartery; and his grandson, Zander Baas. Ed is also survived by his sister Sherry Wise, brother-in-law Vincent Scorzoni and his wife Linda, along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and close friends are invited to a Celebration of Life in honor of Ed. Details regarding the date and location will be communicated at a later time.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers for the compassionate care they provided to Ed and his family during his final days.

ARRANGEMENTS: Assisting the family with arrangements is the O'Donnell Cremations- Funerals- Celebrations, 167 Maple St., DANVERS. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the following organizations: Veterans for Peace: https://www.veteransforpeace.org, and Kaplan Family Hospice House: www.caredimensions.org 78 Liberty Street, Danvers, MA 01923.  To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.