Edward John Bresnahan

Edward J. Bresnahan of North Eastham passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home on June 11, 2018 after a long illness. He is predeceased by his older brother James and younger siblings John and Kathleen Bresnahan. He leaves behind his loving wife Marilyn L. Bresnahan and five children Cynthia L. Broomhead and her husband Peter (deceased) of Eastham, Michael E. Bresnahan and his wife Lucretia of Peabody, Kevin J. Bresnahan and his wife Karen of Ocean City Maryland, Kathleen M. Bresnahan and her partner Lynne of Punta Gorda Florida and Edward J. Bresnahan Jr. and his wife Mary of Worcester. Also, he leaves behind many loving and adoring grandchildren: Michael, Jessica, Sarah, Maria, Wesley, Ian, Katherine and six great grandchildren.

Ed was born in Holden Massachusetts on November 29, 1929 and was the second child of James D. (Jeff) and Rose M. Bresnahan of Wellesley and North Eastham, Massachusetts. He was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School in Newton and later a graduate of Boston College in Chestnut Hill MA. In the summer of 1948, Ed met the love of his life, Marilyn L. Bement of Worcester, on Cape Cod. By 1952, Ed had enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War and attained the rank of First Lieutenant. That same year, he and Marilyn went on to be married and just this past December celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Ed had a successful career with Ford Motor Company in the 1950’s and 60’s with the New England field management office and later as the proud owner of Middleboro Ford in the 1970’s. Ed held many civic and community leadership positions by volunteering his time with his church, youth sports, the Rotary Club, the Elks Club and later with the Cape and Islands Detachment 955 Marine Corps League. Ed loved spending time with his family and friends on Cape Cod and eventually moved there permanently in the 1980’s and began his final business venture in the automobile industry. With the help of his son Ed Jr., his daughter Cindy, many family members and dedicated employees, Ed went on to become an award winning Thrifty Car Rental franchise owner of the Cape, the Islands, and the cities of Worcester and Natick for the next 30 years.

Ed enjoyed many summers sailing and boating on Cape Cod Bay with his family and friends. He was a passionate Boston sports fan having attended many Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins and Celtics games over the years. He was an avid tennis player for many years at the Norseman (Willy’s) tennis club in Eastham. He and Marilyn enjoyed traveling and took time to relax with family and friends while vacationing on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Ed demonstrated his deep faith as a lifelong member of the Church of the Visitation in North Eastham and later at Our Lady of Lourdes in Wellfleet volunteering his time on many Sunday mornings. He will be remembered for his great faith, dedication, and commitment to his community and to his family for many years to come.

Viewing hours will take place at the Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Parkway, Orleans MA 02653, on Tuesday June 19, 2018 from 4-7pm. The funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday June 20, 2018 , 11 am at Our Lady of Lourdes, 2282 Route 6 Wellfleet MA 02667. Following the Mass, Ed will be buried with military honors at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. Donations may be made to Broad Reach Hospice and Palliative Care or a charity of choice in Ed’s memory. For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com .