Matthews, NC: Edward James Alex Sr., 83, of Matthews, NC, former longtime resident of Acton, MA, died on Oct. 27, 2017.

Edward was born in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, son of the late Mr. & Mrs. William Alex of Painesville, Ohio. He attended and graduated from Harvey High School where he was an excellent athlete and was inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame for football in 2005. He later graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. He went on to become a Registered Professional Engineer in 1962. Edward married Susan Chapin in 1956 and cherished her for 60 plus years. He served his country as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force from 1957 to 1960. In 1960 he founded the E.J. Alex Construction Co., Inc. of Acton which he managed for many years. In the late 1990’s, he founded his own consulting company on Nantucket Island in Massachusetts and consulted on the construction of the first ice skating facility located on the island. In 2005 he and his wife Susan moved to Matthews, NC where he retired.

Besides his wife, Susan, he leaves his 7 children, Mrs. Karen Bender of Lowell, MA, Mrs. Judith Pogue of South Hampton, NY, Mrs. Mary Clancy of Fairfax, VA, Mr. Edward J. Alex Jr. of Pepperell, MA, Mr. Joseph Baker Alex of Acton, MA, Mr. Michael C. Alex of Matthews, NC and Mrs. Susan Lane of Keller, TX. He also leaves his 14 loving grandchildren and 5 loving great grandchildren.

His legacy of love and affection for family, his dedication to hard work and the love and care for his devoted dogs will be remembered and cherished by all who loved and knew him.

Relatives and friends are encouraged to join Edward’s family for a funeral Mass to be celebrated in St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish Church, 89 Arlington Street, Acton, MA on Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. A reception to celebrate the life of Edward will immediately follow the Mass at the St. Elizabeth’s Parish Center. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, or online at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org

Funeral arrangements are under the thoughtful guidance of Acton Funeral Home, 470 Massachusetts Avenue, Acton, MA 01720. Memorial page www.actonfuneralhome.com