Edward Early Obituary, Death Cause – Lifelong Lowell attorney Edward J. Early Jr., 92, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on September 4. He was married to high school sweetheart Theresa “Honey” Molloy for 42 years until her death. Son of Edward J. and Madeleine (Conlin) Early, brother of Charles B. Family and friends called him “Buddy” from Sacred Heart Parish. Keith Academy’s 1949 center fielder excelled. He earned a sociology degree from Boston College in 1953. His honorable service as a Lieutenant on the Destroyer USS Haley DD-556 from 1953 to 1956 followed his graduation from Boston College and Officer Candidate School in Newport RI.
After coming home and attending Suffolk Law School in the evenings, he spent years as a social worker at Tewksbury State Hospital in Lowell. He practiced law in Lowell until his 80th birthday after graduating from Suffolk Law School in 1962. He excelled in politics and law. He was mayor of Lowell from 1966-1967 at 34 after eight years on the council. Mayor Early led Lowell’s Model Cities. This daring mayorship revitalized Lowell. Two State Representative mandates, 1973-1977, boosted his political career. He was elected Middlesex County Register of Deeds in 1977 and served 3 terms until 1995. To honor his long service, Lowell dedicated the Edward J. Early, Jr. parking lot.
Visiting Seabrook Beach, Sanibel Island, Foxwoods, Bermuda, and Saratoga with family and friends was his hobby. He always wanted 45s or Friday afternoon happy hour with his lifelong family and friends. Debra and Brian Treanor, Kathleen Doyle and Michael, William Early and Ann, and Gail McGowan and Scott are his survivors. grandchildren: Shannon Smith, Corey, William E. Early, Sarah, Peter, Christine Creegan, Colin, SPC Scott McGowan, Stephanie. Great-grandchildren Liam McGowan, Madeleine Creegan, Daniel Smith. His sister-in-law Doris Molloy, nieces, nephews, relatives, and close friends survive him.
