Edward Merrill Prew
Edward Merrill Prew, 77, of Rogers Avenue, Riverside, passed away Thursday, March 2, 2017 at Rhode Island Hospital. For 55 years, he was the husband of Joan (Histen) Prew. Born on February 26, 1940 in Providence, he was a son of the late Merrill and Gladys (Knight) Prew.
Ed was the father of four children, Stephen E. Prew and his wife Kelly of Seekonk, Michael T. Prew and his wife Patrizia of Cranston, Karen N. Doucette and her husband Kevin of Riverside, and the late Maureen J. Prew. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Rachel, Jessica, Grace, Stephen Jr., William, Michael Jr., Emily and Matthew; his brother Richard of Florida; his sisters, Mary Martin and her husband Robert of Bristol, Martha Bourassa and her husband Robert of Barrington; and several nieces and nephews.
A member of the East Providence Senior High School class of 1957, Ed resided in Riverside for most of his life and considered himself a proud Townie. He served as a radar man second class on the U.S.S. Ross and the U.S.S. Hailey after graduating from high school. He worked as a jeweler at James Howe Jewelers in North Providence for over 20 years, then at Ross-Simons in Warwick until his retirement.
Fast Eddie was an avid sports fan who enjoyed yelling loudly at the television while rooting for his favorite New England teams. He was a former football coach of the Riverside Raiders and a lifelong softball player, playing well into his 60s. He could usually be found cheering in the bleachers for his children and grandchildren. Of the many memories treasured by his family, Ed sitting at "his spot" at Bristol's Fourth of July Parade stands out as a favorite.
His funeral will begin Saturday, March 11 at 7:45am from the Rebello Funeral Home and Crematory, 901 Broadway, East Providence, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9am in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Traverse St., Providence. Military honors and burial will take place at the Rhode Island Veterans' Cemetery in Exeter. Calling hours will be Friday, 4-8 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are greatly appreciated to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 205 Hallene Rd., Suite 209, Warwick, RI 02886.
