SOUTHAMPTON – Edward C. Searle, Jr. 91, of Southampton passed away Saturday November 3, 2012 in Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Northampton. He was born in Westfield October 8, 1921 the son of the late Edward C. , Sr. and Lizelle Hill Searle.
He was a self-employed farmer on land that was farmed by seven generations of Searles before him. He especially enjoyed working with his horses while working operating Wolf Hill Apple Orchards and a dairy herd, logging and operating a sawmill and producing maple syrup. He was known for his good humor, his appreciation for the environment and devotion to his family. He enjoyed traveling, attending family events, gardening, fishing and tinkering with his machinery. Ed was employed for a time by Lyman Sheet Metal Co. of Southampton from 1967 to 1986. He was a lifetime member of Southampton Congregational Church, becoming a member in 1935. He enjoyed listening to music and performed locally in his youth on guitar, saxophone, trumpet and banjo. He called local square dances and later was a member of the Allegro singing group.
He attended local schools in Southampton, and Westfield High School, graduating from Mount Hermon in 1939 and Stockbridge School of Agriculture (Amherst) in 1941. For many years he served on the Three County Fair Board of Directors.
He was predeceased by his wife Genevieve Nacewicz Searle on July 1, 2012. Ed is survived by two sons, Barry Searle of Southampton, Ted Searle of Vermont, and three grandchildren, Annie Searle of Pittsburgh, PA, Nathaniel Searle of Brookline, MA, and Laura Searle of Queens, NY. He was predeceased by one sister, Mary Searle Carroll in 2001. He leaves one brother, Myron of Southampton and several nieces and nephews.
A private family graveside service was held on November 18th. A celebration of Ed’s life will be held in Southampton Congregational Church on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ed’s memory may be given to the Winding River Land Conservancy, Post Office Box 1836, Westfield, MA 01086. Mitchell Funeral Home of Easthampton in charge of arrangements.
