OBIT: Edward Loomis, Eponym of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard's Cafeteria

Edward Martin Loomis, 85, of Dover, N.H., the loving husband of Florence R. (Scrosati) Loomis, passed away with his family by his side on Sept. 30, 2012.

Born in LaMoille, Ill., on March 29, 1927, to William and Bonita (Marquardt) Loomis, Edward was also raised by his grandparents, William and Josephine Marquardt.

Edward was a devoted husband to Florence, his soul mate and wife of 64 years, and was a warm and affectionate man who loved to help others and share stories with family and friends.

Edward enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1945, and was honorably discharged as a sergeant in 1952 after serving as an infantryman in combat in South and Central Korea from January to November 1951. He was a qualified rifle expert, trained flamethrower operator and Golden Glove boxer, and was awarded a World War II Victory Medal and an honorable service lapel button. He was stationed at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and met his future wife while visiting Dover. Edward joined the American Legion, Post 8 after his discharge.

When Edward finished his enlistment, he worked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for 31 years, finishing his career as the Superintendent of Shop 07, Public Works. He served as chairman of the PNSY Restaurant Board. The shipyard’s cafeteria was dedicated and renamed the Loomis Galley Hatch in his honor. After retiring in 1983, Edward was a part-time school bus driver for the Dover School District. He loved chaperoning music department and other school field trips. He was Scoutmaster of Troop #172, Dover, NH.

Edward served as Past Master of the Strafford Lodge, Post #29. He was a 32nd degree Mason in the Scottish Rite, Most Wise Master of the Rose Croix and a member of the Moses Paul Lodge.

Edward was a Past Warden of the St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Dover, NH.

An avid gardener, Edward loved playing in competitive bridge tournaments, traveling with his wife and with his family, cooking, golf, and coaching baseball. He was instrumental in founding the Dover Senior Baseball League. A licensed electrician, he also built several homes, including a house for his wife’s parents.

Edward is survived by his wife Florence; his son Martin and his wife, Dilcia, their children Chris, Cynthia Reich, Melissa and Dilcia; his daughter Marlene and her husband, Terry Frost, and their children Marcia Cheney and Meredith Mottram; his son Robert and his wife, Nancy, and their children Vanessa Mariano, Katherine Hardin and Robert; his daughter Nancy and her husband Robert Cooke, and her sons Kyle and Ben Stucker; his son Edward and his wife, Yvonne; three great-grandchildren, Deion Purvis, Evelyn Loomis and Harrison Reich; a dear sister-in-law, Louise Varney and many nieces and nephews.

Edward is predeceased by his brother, William Loomis.

A graveside funeral service with a committal ceremony will be held at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen at 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 5. All who loved him are welcome to attend and pay respect to a wonderful man.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: U.S. Marine Corps, Toys for Tots Program, c/o Dover Fire & Rescue, 288 Central Ave., Dover, NH 03820.

Arrangements are under direction of Wiggin-Purdy-McCooey-Dion Funeral Home, 655 Central Ave., Dover, NH; to sign our online guestbook, please go to www.purdyfuneralservice.com