William Edward Eldridge

Mr. William Edward Eldridge, age 68 years, of Maple Ave. Swampscott, died unexpectedly Tuesday, surrounded by his family at Salem Hospital. He was the husband of Barbara (Slate) Eldridge, with whom he shared 43 years of marriage. Born in Lynn he was the son of the late William A. and Ethel F. (Davis) Eldridge. He attended Lynn schools and graduated from L. E. H. S., Class of 1962. Bill served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War from 1962 - 1966. He was employed at the General Electric Riverworks Plant Turbine Division as an Assembler for 38 years until he retired in 2005. After retiring from the GE, he graduated from The North Bennet Street School, Locksmith Program in Boston, and was employed at Aborn Locksmith Co. in Jamaica Plains until the time of his death. Bill was a Past Master of Bethlehem Lodge A. F. & A. M., a member of Mt. Carmel Lodge A. F. & A. M., Golden Fleece Lodge A. F. & A. M., Major General Henry Knox Lodge A. F. & A. M., and a founding member of Daylight Lodge A. F. & A. M. in Beverly. He was a Past District Grand Master of the Lynn Eighth Masonic District. Past High Priest of Sutton Royal Arch Chapter, a member of Salem-Zebulun Council, Olivet Commandary, Scottish Rite Valley of Salem, and Valley of Boston. He was also a member of the Mass. Locksmith's Assoc. In addition to his wife he is survived by two sons David A. and his wife Elizabeth Eldridge of Ellicott City, MD, Scott W. Eldridge of Swampscott, and three grandchildren Kyle, Ethan and Molly Eldridge all of Ellicott City, MD. Service Details: A celebration of Bill's life will be held at the Lynn Masonic Temple, 68 Market St. Lynn on Saturday at 11:00 AM to which relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held at the Parker Funeral Home 35 Franklin St. Lynn Friday from 4:00 - 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations in Bill's name to the Masonic Angel Fund c/o Mt. Carmel Lodge PO Box 1377, Saugus, MA 01906, or a charity of your choice.