Edward O. Powers

Edward O. Powers, 82, of Manchester, died June 9, 2005, at Catholic Medical Center after a brief illness.

Born in Manchester, October 27, 1922, he was the son of Richard and Emma (Obst) Powers. He was educated in local schools and was a graduate of Manchester West High School, class of 1940-A.

He joined the US Coast Guard during World War II and served on various ships from 1942 to 1945, mostly in the Pacific area aboard the U.S.S. Sheliak, a transport ship that was part of the invasion of Okinawa on Easter Sunday, 1945, and later aboard a destroyer escort, the U.S.S. Peterson, which participated in the initial occupation of Japan.

Following service in World War II, he attended New Hampshire School of Accounting & Commerce, which later became New Hampshire College.

Employed by New Hampshire Insurance Co for 36 years, he started in the accounting department in 1942 and was vice president when he took early retirement in 1978 to join his sons in the management of Gordon Powers Insurance Agency.

He was a trustee on the first Catholic Medical Center Board of Directors, and director of the United Way including one year as chairman of Major Firms Division Campaign. He was a trustee of Camp Carpenter and served on the board of trustees at New Hampshire College. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, including a term as President from 1973-1974. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of Numerica Savings Bank.

He served on the parish council of St. Raphael Church, and NH Catholic Charities. He was also a member of the American Legion, Sweeney Post #2.

He was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Margaret (Howe) Powers, who died in January 2003. In addition he was predeceased by a grandson, Michael Powers, and a sister, Charlotte Viereck.

Family members include two sons, Richard E. Powers of Hooksett, and Kevin J. Powers of Salem; a daughter, Charlene R. Mains of Manchester; 8 grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Monday June 13, 2005 at St. Raphael Church. Burial followed in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bedford.

Memorial donations may be made to Boy Scouts of America, Daniel Webster Council, 571 Holt Ave., Manchester, 03109 or the charity of one's choice.