Edward J. August, Sr.

Edward J. August, Sr., 91, of Seekonk, MA, (formerly of Rehoboth), died peacefully on May 15, 2024 at the Linn Health & Rehabilitation Center surrounded by his adoring family. He was the husband of the late Barbara R. (Deitrick) August.  Born in Wilkes-Barre, PA, he was the son of the late Peter Augustyniak and Leona (Wilkie) Augustyniak.  

Mr. August was a proud Navy veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy as a Signalman during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer after 20 years of service. Beginning his civilian life, he owned and operated three gas stations in Seekonk, Attleboro and North Attleboro, before graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree from Johnson and Wales University. Mr. August then worked at Rotondo Precast in Rehoboth until his retirement. 

Ed, as he liked to be called, maintained the spirit of service long after his Navy career ended. Faith, family, and community were values Ed embodied throughout his entire life. Beginning in his youth, when he earned the distinguished ranking of Eagle Scout, becoming one of the select 4 percent to earn the esteemed ranking.  He was also a member of the Seekonk Congregational Church where he served as a Deacon, Trustee and Head Usher for many years. Additionally, He was a member of the Lions Club of Rehoboth and of the Rehoboth Eastern Star Lodge A.F & A.M. The organization most meaningful to him was the U.S. Navy Cruiser Sailors Association (USNCSA), which Ed co-founded in 1992. Through USNCSA, Ed established a community and brought together over 4,000 veterans worldwide who served aboard a “Cruiser” during their military service.

Above all, family was always his first priority. Lovingly known as Poppy, Chops (as in, ‘what am I, chopped liver?!’) and Chief, will be remembered for his devotion to his wife and five children. Ed was happiest at the lake surrounded by his ever-expanding family. They all take comfort in knowing he has been reunited with the love of his life, Barbara. Although he leaves bereft children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Ed’s lessons of faith, family, and community will survive for generations to come.  

Ed leaves behind his loving children: Edward J. August, Jr. and his wife Nancy of Middletown, RI, Jan L. Rupert and her husband Ronald of Seekonk, Dianne L. Chase of Seekonk, Kelly A. Downs and her husband William of Rehoboth, and Christopher M. August and his wife Terry of Forty Fort, PA, as well as 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of Theresa Yermal of Ashley, PA and the late Peter Augustyniak, Jr.

His Service of Remembrance & Thanksgiving will be held Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 12:00 P.M. in the Seekonk Congregational Church, UCC, 600 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA. In celebration of Ed’s love of country all are invited to attend the service in patriotic colors.

 Burial in Rehoboth Village Cemetery will be private. Calling hours are respectfully omitted.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory to the Seekonk Congregational Church, United Church of Christ (UCC), or the Linn Health & Rehab Activity Fund will be appreciated. 

The Family would like to thank the caregivers (earthly Angels) of Linn Health and Rehab and Continuum Hospice for their devoted care, love and support of Ed and his family.

Arrangements are in the care of the Home of J.H. WILLIAMS & CO, 210 Taunton Avenue, East Providence, RI.  For online messages of condolence, kindly visit www.jhwilliamsfuneralhome.com