Edward "Coach" John Main

Known fondly by many as "Coach", Edward J. Main 92, a longtime resident of Swanzey, NH, will be greatly missed by many who knew him as an educator and supporter of many students both on and off of the baseball field, with his passing on July 10, 2025, at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative Care in Lebanon, NH.

His parents, Jennie (Johnson) and Howard L. Main Sr. welcomed their son into the world on June 15, 1933, in Peterborough, NH. Growing up in Harrisville, NH, Ed attended Keene High School where his lifelong love of baseball began. He played on the Keene High School baseball team, graduating in 1951 from KHS. He was chosen to play shortstop in the Hearst All-Sate Game, representing the Greater NE All-Stars at Fenway Park in June of 1951.

He proudly served his country in the US Air Force, serving during the Korean War from 1952 until his honorable discharge in 1956.

He returned to Keene attending Keene Teacher’s College, now Keene State College, graduating in 1960 with a degree in education.

Ed was a member of the first faculty at the Monadnock Regional High School (MRHS) when the school opened its doors in 1962, first teaching history until 1968, then added the role of junior high guidance counselor, and served as athletic director from 1972 until 1981. Later most especially, adding baseball coach to his resume. He was the first coach to be inducted in the MRHS Athletic Hall of Fame. Ed retired in 1993 after 31 years at MRHS, 26 of them as a baseball coach, four years as JV coach and 22 years as varsity coach. Because of his dedication and success, the baseball field at the school was named for him. While coaching, Ed also found time to officiate baseball for 33 years and football for 25 years.

He was a longtime member of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks Lodge 927.

Ed received many honors over the years. In 1983, he was selected as a member of the coaching staff for the first Twin State Baseball Classic. In 1984, after his third state championship, Ed was selected as head coach for the Twin State Classic. He was also selected that year as Baseball Coach of the Year by the NH Coaches Association, and that fall he was chosen to referee in the Shrine Bowl Football Game. In 1989 he was inducted into the NH Coaches Hall of Fame and in 1991 the KSC Hall of Fame. In 1999 the Union Leader NH Sunday News chose Ed for the Walter Smith Coaches Award.

He will be greatly missed by many including his three children, Bruce E. Main and his wife Julie, of Northport, FL, Debra J. Smith of Keene, James M. Main and his wife, Jennifer, of Marlborough, NH; his grandchildren, Nina Mooney and her husband, Kirk, Michael Main, Skyler Martin and her husband, Kyle, Molly Main; great-grandchildren, Raelyn Mooney, Sydney Mooney, Josie Martin; a sister-in-law, Catherine Main of Keene; and several nieces, nephews and extended family members. His wife of 60 years, Arlene J. (Willard) Main died on December 7, 2016. A son-in-law, Timothy Smith; a grandson, Nicholas Smith; two brothers, Howard L. "Bucky" Main Jr., Eugene Main; and a sister, Evelyn Driscoll, predeceased him.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, July 28, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00pm at the Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court Street, Keene, NH. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 29th at 11:00am in the Monadnock Covenant Church, 90 Base Hill Road, Keene. All are welcome to attend both services. Burial in the Island Cemetery, Harrisville, NH, will be held privately by the family.