Sturbridge: Edward J. McCormack, 85, passed away on Sunday, March 3rd, at Hermitage Health and Rehabilitation, Worcester, after a long illness.

He leaves his wife of 60 years, Mary R. (Duffy) McCormack; his son, Peter W. McCormack and his partner Theresa Adamsons of Harwich; his daughter, Kerry H. McCormack of Sturbridge; his two sisters, Judith May of Florida and Kathy St. Onge of Massachusetts; and many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his three brothers, James McCormack, Richard McCormack and David McCormack.

Ned was born in Weymouth, the son of Harold J. and Clara M. (Hynes) McCormack, the second youngest of six children.  After graduating from Archbishop Williams High School in Braintree he received his bachelor's degree from Suffolk University in Boston.  After college he served in the military as a Veteran of the U.S. Navy, performing his active duty during the beginning of the Vietnam era and continuing his service through twenty years in the Naval Reserves. He also built a distinguished fifty-year career as a school textbook salesman, first for Holt, Rinehart and Winston and later for several other prominent publishing companies.

When not spending time with his family Ned enjoyed a number of hobbies. For many years he was an avid running enthusiast, participating in multiple marathons and road races, including the Boston Marathon. He also enjoyed the racquetball craze of the nineties and was a staple of his local men's league.

For over fifteen years Ned had season tickets to his beloved Patriots and spent many an enjoyable Sunday in the old Schaefer Stadium watching his team lose (time and time again).

Later in life he enjoyed traveling with his wife and their friends and had many adventures across Europe as well as Costa Rica and Peru. Some of these excursions included utilizing the military's retired veteran travel access program and involved flying in a diverse array of aircraft, from C-140 transport planes to a fancy private jet reserved for military brass, all of which delighted him and his wife to no end.

Ned also had a great interest in world history and current events and enjoyed reading all manner of nonfiction to satisfy his curiosities. And while his taste in modern pop culture ran toward Mel Brooks and Monty Python he did enjoy a standing date of many years with his daughter to watch the television program Survivor. You know, before it got too silly.

Edward's funeral service and burial in Bourne National Cemetery, Bourne, MA, will be private.  There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating toward Alzheimer's research.