Edward C. Roy Sr., 84, of West Greenwich passed away after a brief illness on February 3, 2018. He is survived by the love of his life, Diana M. Roy, his wife of 63 years.
Born in Warwick, Mr. Roy was the son of the late Leo R. Roy, Sr. and Bertha Roy (Benson). Mr. Roy worked as an engineer in construction management for over 45 years, managing diverse and complex projects, including the Amtrak Northeast Corridor Electrification, the renovation of fire and police stations in Boston, the design of Route 95, the improvement of the Fields Point sewage treatment plant in Providence and, for many years, the installation of sewer laterals in Norwich, Connecticut. In addition, Ed managed a custom home building business for over 35 years, creating beautiful homes for customers throughout Rhode Island. Ed had a great eye for detail. In his later years, Ed and Diana, who ran an interior design business, partnered on building several gorgeous homes, combining their skills beautifully.
Ed was a gifted athlete, including being named Coaches’ All-State as a running back and winning championships as a sprinter and long-jumper. He later coached in the Warwick Football League and led the McDonald’s Golden Arches to a championship, with his sons, Tim and Craig starring. During the Korean War, Mr. Roy served in the United States Air Force as a Crew Chief on fighter jets. While serving in Korea and Japan in 1951 through 1955, Ed also played football in the Armed Services League, many times lining up against professional players. He later walked-on at Arizona State after completing his military service, however, he and Diana preferred raising a family to a continued football career.
Active in politics earlier in his life, Ed was an unsuccessful Democratic candidate for the State Senate in 1964, losing a hotly-contested and controversial election in North Kingstown. Ed was active in the community, serving as the President of the Hamilton Beach Association, helping to create programs for children in North Kingstown. He also served as the President of the North Kingstown Junior Chamber of Commerce. Ed Roy was a humble man who exemplified the values of dedication to family, work ethic and dogged perseverance in the face of adversity. He will be missed by all those whose lives he touched with his sense of humor and willingness to help. He lived to help his friends and family with any task, large or small.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his sister Marie Vasconcelos of New Jersey, his sons, Edward C. Roy, Jr., Esq. (Geralyn), Robert J. Roy, and Craig E. Roy (Lee) of Greenville, South Carolina, and his beloved grandchildren: Brendan, Colin, Kirsten, Chandler (Greer) and Connor (Sarah). He was predeceased by his siblings, Leo, Jr., Alfred, Emil and Monica Lamoureux, and by his son, Timothy and his granddaughter, Erin Marie.
A wake will be held at the Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home from 11:00-12:00 noon on Wednesday, February 7, 2018, followed by a service at 12:00 noon. Burial will be at the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery in Exeter, Rhode Island.
