Edward B Fleischer

Edward Barry Fleischer, an extraordinary person full of love, kindness, and good humor, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 8, at the age of 84 in Dedham, Ma. He will live on in the hearts of his cherished wife of 49 years Leslie Fleischer (Framingham), daughter Amy Fleischer (Dennis Port), son and daughter-in-law Michael and Kristen Fleischer (Hingham), granddaughter Kelly Fleischer, sister Judith Gass (Falmouth, Me.), nieces Leslie Gass (Falmouth, Me.) and Lisa (Andrew) Kochanowski (Bloomfield Hills, Mi.), grand-nephews Benjamin and Adam Kochanowski, grand-niece Sadie Gass, his entire extended family, and his close network of friends and former colleagues. We imagine him sitting on a beautiful lawn that never needs to be raked, mowed, or weeded with his beloved late mother and father, Ruth and Marcus Fleischer (Revere), and his adored childhood dog, Morgan. Or, walking with them on Revere Beach while enjoying a black raspberry ice cream cone with chocolate sprinkles.

Edward was born in Boston on May 16, 1941. He was raised in the Beachmont section of Revere, where he attended the Julia Ward Howe School and was a member of Boy Scout Troop 1. After graduating from Revere High School in 1959, he earned a B.S. in business administration at Boston University in 1964. Ed worked for Corning Glassworks in North Carolina and Pennsylvania and served as a medic in the U.S. Army Reserves before starting his long tenure as a business manager at Raytheon Service Company in Burlington, Ma. A life-long learner, he was thrilled at the opportunity to make the numbers on his spreadsheets come alive when he travelled to observe the construction of defense and space technology projects and to meet the engineers and astronauts. He also consistently sought out ways to lift up his employees through promotions and continuing education. He retired from Raytheon in 2004 after 32 years of service. Ed looked back with fondness on his series of first jobs as an usher at the Metropolitan Theatre in Boston, a scooper at Borden’s Ice Cream, and a ticket-taker at the amusement park on Revere Beach. His work ethic was an incredible example for his children.

The twinkle in Edward’s bright blue eyes and the merry sound of his laugh were unique and indelible. He reveled in time spent with his family, sailing, and being in and near the ocean. He was an avid local sports fan with a particular affinity for the Boston Red Sox, Boston University hockey, and UConn basketball. He famously loved to snack on Necco wafers. In the eyes of his family, his greatest gift to them was his time and attention: He was always cheering from the sidelines, building sandcastles on the beach, singing with them, and telling his special “tent stories” at bedtime.

During the 14 years he lived with Alzheimer’s disease, Ed cracked everyone up with his constant witticisms and humorous observations, found joy in his love of music and nature, and enjoyed the Continuing Connections program at the Callahan Senior Center in Framingham.

Services will be held at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel in Canton at 10 a.m. on Sunday, November 16. Burial service to follow at Sharon Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations to the Continuing Connections program at the Callahan Senior Center in Framingham, which supports seniors with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, (www.thefriendsofcallahan.org).