Edward Joseph Dwyer Jr.

Born and raised in Montclair, New Jersey, he was the son of Edward Sr. and Ellen (Anderson) Dwyer. After high school, Ed pursued his love of art at the Whitney School of Art in New Haven, Ct. He then attended North Park Jr. College in Chicago where he led the championship basketball team in points and met his future wife, Debby (Bengtson). Earning a Division 1 basketball scholarship to Drake University in Iowa, he graduated with a degree in education.

Ed and Debby were married in June, 1955 and in November, Ed entered Officer Training School in the U.S. Navy and ultimately retired as a Naval Commander, Naval Air Squadron Executive Officer after serving both actively and in the reserves.

Ed’s career in education began as a teacher and counselor at Passaic Valley High School in New Jersey. He enjoyed friendships with fellow Passaic Valley staff and former students his entire life. While teaching in New Jersey, he earned two Masters degrees in education.

In 1970, Ed and Debby and their two daughters moved to Maine where Ed held administrative and counseling positions in Auburn and Lewiston schools and completed his Doctorate Degree in Education from Vanderbilt University. He retired from Lewiston High School in 1991 after serving as Assistant Principal.

Ed’s love of the outdoors drew him to work at LL Bean, first, part time in the camping department, and later full time in Marketing and Human Resources. Outdoor pursuits and accomplishments were many, including planning and leading five backpacking trips to the Canadian High Arctic, both solo and with friends, the longest being 34 days. Ed served on the Baxter State Park Advisory Committee also spending time as chair. He loved the beauty of the Park during all seasons and held many Park rangers and administrators as dear friends. Ed loved mountains and climbed his favorite, Mt. Washington, over 60 times, the last while in his eighties. He always shared his love of hiking with others by guiding them up trails, sharing photos and stories of his adventures, and by maintaining a section of the Appalachian Trail for 14 years.

He was an active member of Court Street Baptist Church for many years, where he loved his church family, served on boards and committees, and held a deep faith in Christ his entire life.

In retirement, Ed enjoyed returning to his art, teaching watercolor painting to two painting groups and blessing many with his beautiful landscape paintings. He displayed his thoughtfulness and generosity by frequently sending eloquently written notes and tributes to others, helping those in need, bringing donuts to the bank, and cards of his paintings to his caregivers at appointments.

Edward was predeceased by his parents and brother, Warren, and his niece Alison. Survivors include his wife Debby, daughters Cindy (Kim) Visbaras and Julie (Paul) Farnsworth, grandchildren Christie (Visbaras) Sweet, Lindsey (Visbaras) Madden, Nathan Farnsworth, great grandson James Madden, nephew Stuart Dwyer, one great niece and several great nephews.

The family invites you to a time of visitation on Sunday March 5th from 1:00pm to 2:00pm at Court St. Baptist Church, 129 Court St. Auburn ME, immediately followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00pm and reception at the church.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Edward's name to:

Doctors Without Borders USA - (Tribute Gift) PO Box 5030 Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030 doctorsoithoutborders.org 1-888-392-0392

International Ministries 1003 West 9th Ave. Suite A King of Prussia, PA 19406 internationalministries.org 1-610-768-2323