Edward J Liston

Edward J. Liston passed away on October 29, 2016 in New Port Richey, FL. He is survived by his wife, Paula “Geevie” Liston, daughter Jean Kepner, son Edward J. Liston III, sisters Jean Liston, Louise Chouinard, Dorothy McQueen, Mary Frank, and grandchildren Kaitlyn and Zachary Kepner. He is also survived by his son-in-law Brad Kepner, brothers-in-law Thomas McQueen, Dan Geever, Joe Moretti, sisters-in-law Lynne Moretti, Beth Geever, Debbie Geever, and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents Louise (Dawson) and Edward J. Liston, his parents-in-law Lucille (Groht) and Raymond Geever, and his brother-in-law Gerry Frank.

A small, private service will be held for Eddie in mid-December. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests random acts of unexpected kindness to friends and strangers.

Born on January 31, 1942 in Lowell, Massachusetts, the son of a police captain and homemaker, Eddie graduated from Lowell High School and worked for Mass Electric and also as a carpenter. He moved to Fort Lauderdale, FL in 1971, where he continued his carpentry career. He spent 18 months in Iraq and Iran teaching carpentry to the local populace, and traveled to many countries in Europe and Asia. Later in life, he worked at a car rental agency and as a school bus driver. He moved to New Port Richey, FL in 2004.

Eddie loved people. He was often the “life of the party,” savoring every moment spent with loved ones and friends, especially Dick Joyce of NH, Charlie O’Neill of MA, and Bill Dowd of FL. He did not hesitate to rush into harm’s way on several occasions to assist strangers in peril, sometimes ending up in an emergency room as the result of his bravery.

Children were drawn to Eddie’s expansive personality. He would engage strangers in lengthy conversation. At Christmas parties, he danced with every widow in attendance. He often emptied his wallet to help someone in need. He visited the sick, the lonely and the forgotten. He opened his home to friends and strangers who needed lodging. He held immovable religious beliefs, and attempted to live every moment according to the teachings in the New Testament.

The most cherished roles in his life were those of husband, father and grandfather. He was a devoted and faithful husband who loved, respected and entertained his wife every day. His children were a special source of joy and pride. He changed diapers, dried tears, elicited laughter, and wanted his daughter and son to accompany him everywhere he went. He cherished grandchildren, enjoying having them on his lap and doing “homework” with them.

People, fun, love, generosity and civic responsibility.

Every day was a GOOD day for Eddie Liston.