Edward ("Ed") Correia, 94, formerly of Norwell, MA, died at his home in Boca Raton, FL on Feb. 12, 2015, surrounded by family. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 73 years, Deolinda Correia, his six children and their spouses: Gail Anne Conroy of Swansea, Ma, Michael & Marjorie Correia of Norfolk, MA, John & Sheryl Correia of Pembroke, MA, Chris Correia & Evert DeGraeve of New York, NY, Linda Correia of Boca Raton, FL & Boston, MA, Russ Correia of Halifax,MA, as well as his two grandchildren: Sasha DeGraeve of New York, NY and Adam Correia and his wife Cassandra Scarpino of Haverford, PA.

Ed grew up in Fall River, MA and was a graduate of Durfee High School. A standout athlete in basketball and baseball he was a star player in the Catholic leagues which were the top regional leagues of that era.

An army veteran of WW II Ed was trained in demolitions and taught mine school in England. He was a member of the 336th Combat Engineer Battalion a special amphibious brigade involved in the D-Day assault on Omaha Beach. Landing under heavy fire his group was instrumental in clearing the beach of mines and established the first exit road off the beach. He was awarded the French Croix de Guerre for his involvement in the D-Day landing.

Ed spent more than 50 years in the lumber industry and was a founding member of Furman Lumber in 1956. He was a leading salesman for the company, Senior Vice President and a member of the board of directors. As part of the management team of the company he was instrumental in its growth into the largest independent wholesale lumber distributor in the country.

Ed was passionate about competitive tennis, Boston sports teams, sailing, nature, wildlife, gardening and pruning his beloved hedgerow and rhododendrons. He also enjoyed his family vacations on Cape Cod and Little Lake Sebago Maine, as well as his time down by the sea at his seasonal home often surrounded by family members in Boca Raton, FL. He was a loving, committed family man first and foremost, who derived much joy and life satisfaction from his wife, children and extended family members. He was also a loyal friend and an inspirational role model to many.

A memorial service will be held at Gary Panoch Funeral Home - Telephone: (561) 997-8580
at 6140 North Federal Highway in Boca Raton, FL 33487 on February 20, 2015 commencing at 11:00 AM with a service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be private thereafter in Norwell, MA at the Church Hill Cemetery.