ATHOL, MA – Edwin J. “Ed” Sterling, 91, of Farnsworth Avenue, passed at home with his family at his side on Sunday afternoon, October 25, 2026.
Born in Keene, NH on November 3, 1934, he was the son of Harland Edwin Sterling and Grace Pearl (Castor) Sterling.
Edwin was married to Ruth Ann (Hamlett) Sterling, celebrating over 50 years, 20 years in New Hampshire and 30 years in Athol, MA.
Ed his survived by his wife, Ruth Ann Sterling, and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Beverly, Charles, Ann, William (Bill),
Ed worked in his father’s plumbing and heating business, Sterling Plumbing & Heating, and later other local plumbing companies, then Kingsbury Machine (Keene, NH) where he retired after 15 years.
Ed and Ruth Ann moved to Athol after both of them retired. Ed enjoyed going on daily trips and going out for lunch.
Ed loved marching in parades and playing concerts. He was a member of Keene Legion Band for over 62 years. He played in the Westmoreland Band, Brattleboro Legion Band, and was always on call if other bands needed a trombone or snare drum player.
Ed and his brother Bill were avid football fans and had season tickets at Dartmouth College for more than 50 years. He always watched tv football when not at a game elsewhere
There are no calling hours.
Services and interment in Mountain View Cemetery, Swanzey, NH, will be private.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
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