Florence, MA – Edwin Brooks Emerson III, 84, of Florence, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, July 31 st with his wife, Jennie, and daughter, Brooke, by his side. Pete, as he was called by all who knew and loved him, was born in Northampton on March 22, 1942 to the late E. Brooks and Jean (Salomon) Emerson. Pete was raised in Leeds and attended Smith College Day School and then Northampton High School, graduating in 1960. Following graduation, he enlisted in the Army Reserve where he faithfully served his country for four years and was honorably discharged in 1964.
Pete was employed by New England Telephone Company, which eventually became Verizon, for 40 years as a journeyman cable splicer, until his retirement in 2001. While working in the telephone industry, Pete was a member and officer of IBEW 2324.
Pete found joy in life’s simple pleasures and the people with whom he shared them. Over the years, he enjoyed bowling, softball, and, above all, golf. He and Jennie joined the Northampton Country Club in 1976, where they forged lifelong friendships and spent countless happy hours golfing, playing cards, and gathering with friends. Friday night poker at the club was a favorite tradition. In retirement, Pete and Jennie embraced the opportunity to travel together, creating wonderful memories along the way. He also never passed up the chance for an occasional trip to the casino, always hopeful that luck might be on his side.
Besides his parents, Pete was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law Robert B. and Jane Emerson.
Pete is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Jennie (Bysiewski) Emerson; his children, Raymond of Poland, Keith of Japan, Laura of South Carolina, and Brooke Thornton and her husband, Devlin, of Medfield; and the lights of his life, his two cherished grandchildren, Easton and Emmy Thornton.
Calling hours for Pete will be held on Monday, August 10th from 5pm-7pm at the Czelusniak Funeral Home in Northampton, followed by a funeral home service at 7:00 pm. Burial at Spring Grove Cemetery in Florence will be private. A Celebration of Life at the Northampton Country Club will be held this September, a separate announcement will be made.
The family is deeply grateful to the extraordinary team at Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice for the compassion, dignity, and comfort they provided during Pete’s final days.
Look Memorial Park held a special place in Pete’s heart and was the backdrop for generations of treasured family memories.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations in Pete’s honor be made to these two wonderful organizations: Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice, 30 Locust Street, Northampton, MA 01060, or Frank Newhall Look Memorial Park, 300 North Main Street, Florence, MA 01062.
Please go to Czelusniakfuneralhome.com for online condolences and tribute book.
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