Edward James Powers

Born November 27, 1936 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, he was a son of the late Edward Powers and Mary Korobochuk Powers. Following graduation from St. Joseph’s High School, Ed graduated from Sienna College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry. Ed furthered his education at Florida State University where he earned a PhD in Chemistry. His career as a chemist began in 1969 with Celense from which he retired in 1998. He served most of those years as a research chemist in Charlotte (NC), Louisville (KY), and Summit (NJ). Recognition was given for his 12 patents. In 1995, he was the recipient of the Thomas Alva Edison Patent Award in New Jersey and made presentations at Chemical Conferences.

Ed was a Crisis Assistance Ministry volunteer. He visited the sick and worked with a program for Catholics Returning Home.

Ed was married to his devoted wife, Mary Lou Stirk Powers, for 55 years. His daughters, Tanya and Kim, were his pride and joy. His granddaughters, Allison and Brooke, along with his son-in-law, John, brought much happiness to his life.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Stirk Powers; two children, Tanya Powers of Charlotte and Kim Powers Hess of Hot Springs, Virginia; and two beloved grandchildren, Allison and Brooke Hess. He leaves behind his sister, Patricia (“Pat”) Navin of Framingham, Massachusetts, brother Richard (“Dick”) and sister-in-law Vivian Powers of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, and brother Peter and his wife Debbie Powers of Pittsfield, Massachusetts; along with 9 nieces and nephews and brother-in-law Robert Stirk and wife Carolyn.

The funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 13th, 2023 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 3016 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28211. Private interment will be in Forest Lawn East Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com for the Powers family.