GROVELAND - Edward "Ed" J. Denn, 87, longtime resident of Groveland, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2015, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Ed was born in Florence, MA on May 6, 1928, oldest of two children of Edward J. and Mary Agnes (O'Connor) Denn. His younger years were in Florence, until moving to White River Junction, VT with his family, which he spoke of fondly until settling in W. Roxbury, graduating in the class of 1945 from Roslindale High School.

Ed is a United States Army Veteran, having served honorably during WWII primarily in the Philippines. Upon discharge, he returned to Roslindale and completed his degree in Business Administration from Suffolk University.

Ed is the loving husband of 65 years to his wife, Patricia E. (Holleran) Denn. They met during high school, yet only started dating years after. They began their family in Roslindale until moving to Hopkinton for several years and eventually settling in Groveland in 1958 to raise their 9 children.

He worked for many years for Jordan Marsh, beginning with their Executive Training Program, and worked as a buyer for the retail giant for 25 years until becoming a Principal with Market Reps, a company specializing in marketing electronic products to retailers, until his retirement in 1991. During retirement he had the best job, spending as much time with his large family and friends as possible. He is a longtime parishioner of St. Patrick Parish in Groveland. Ed was a truly special person that will be greatly missed by all who love him.

The Denn family would like to give thanks to the Home Health VNA and particularly the caregivers from the Newburyport Team that have given exceptional support to Ed and his family during this difficult time.

Ed's surviving family members in addition to his wife, include his cherished children, Edward Denn and wife Kim of Millbury, Michael Denn and wife Susan of Walpole, Peter Denn and wife Carmen of Groveland, Joseph Denn and wife Suzan of Somersworth, NH, Patrick Denn of Chelmsford, Catherine Denn Freed and husband Andy of Melrose, Christopher Denn and wife Kelli of Boxford, and Rebecca Slocum and husband Lee of Haverhill; eighteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Marie Denn Riley and husband Gene of Natick; cousins Ernest Pilon of NY and Katherine Mahar and husband Thomas of MD; daughters-in-law Carol Denn of Mendon and Sarah Denn of Westford; son-in-law Denis LaBombard of Georgetown; several nieces and nephews; father of the late Mary (Denn) LaBombard, who passed in 2014.

His funeral will be held Thursday morning, November 12, beginning in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 So. Main Street, (Rte. 125), Bradford at 9:00 AM. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Patrick Church, 114 Center Street, Groveland at 10:00 AM.

Interment with U.S. Army Honors will follow in Riverview Cemetery, Groveland.

Visiting hours will be Wednesday in the funeral home from 2:00 to 5:00 PM.