Edward M. Halpin Jr.

Ed never met a stranger and made everyone feel like a friend. He always had a compliment at the ready, and made anyone he met feel important. He loved a good story or a long chat—only made better with tea and a snack. A man of strong character and loyalty, he would help anyone in need. He moved countless families and friends, taught thousands of students in his 30-year teaching career, and had a heartfelt smile (complete with those smiling blue eyes) for everyone. He loved the outdoors: a hike up a mountain, a good canoe race, an adventure at the park with his grandchildren, or a simple walk (picking up any trash along the way). He believed in taking care of the Earth. He valued work and fun—a healthy balance of both. He loved paddling, reading, maps, music, and movies. He loved his friends. And most of all, he loved his family. They were always first.

He was born in 1937 to Teresa Beauregard and Edward M. Halpin, Sr., and raised on Cherry Hill Road in Johnston, RI, where his love of the outdoors began. He attended LaSalle Academy before studying history at Catholic University as a member of the Christian Brothers. He taught history, psychology, and French for more than 30 years at Johnston High School and Cranston High School East. Countless students remember Mr. Halpin and never hesitated to find him in a restaurant or store to tell him how much he impacted them.

He married the love of his life, Carol, in 1977, and they have shared so much over their 50 years together. They always made Andrea and Ed their priority—with games, concerts, dentist appointments, and rides first and foremost. In between all of that, they walked together through life’s daily work and the extraordinary times, which Ed seemed to consider one and the same: caring for family, teaching, paddling, dancing, reading, taking a ride, or enjoying Colt Park. Through all of it, they have loved each other completely, every single day.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his loving children Andrea M. Leary and her husband Skip of Bel Air, MD, and Edward M. Halpin, III, and his wife Cheryl of Westwood, MA. He was a wonderful grandfather to Becca, Jack, and Mia, and a loved uncle for many nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of Mary Healey, Sarah Arendt, the late Eileen Mckee, Dorothea Vereen, David Halpin, the late Anne Halpin, Peter Halpin, and the late James Halpin.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Parish on 530 Gardner’s Neck Road, Swansea, MA, at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 3. Family and friends are welcome to a lunch at White’s of Westport at 66 State Road in Westport, MA, after the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to Doctors without Borders or the Rhode Island Food Bank.