Obituary: Edward J. Haley, Jr.

Edward J. Haley, Jr., at 84

Edward J. Haley, Jr., age 84, of Hull, Quincy, and Weymouth, passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side.

Born in Medford and raised in Hull, Mr. Haley was the son of the late Kathleen Wolcott Haley and Edward J. Haley, Sr.

Mr. Haley grew up in Hull and graduated from Archbishop Williams High School in Braintree, where he excelled in football and hockey. When he was 18 years old, his eye caught the beautiful “summer girl” who would soon become the love of his life, his beloved wife Gervaise. Their relationship was nothing short of a fairy tale. At this time, he also began his military career, serving his country in the Air Force as a police officer. Mr. Haley was stationed in Italy, where he and Gervaise began their married life, as well as becoming first time parents overseas with the birth of their oldest child, EJ. 

After serving several years in the Air Force, Mr. Haley returned to his hometown of Hull to start his civilian life as a devoted husband and father, police officer, and finally a firefighter – the career that he most loved and cherished. Mr. Haley lived a life full of purpose and hard work, serving his community as a Hull firefighter for many years, achieving the rank of captain early on in his career. His career as a firefighter was cut short due to heart issues, but once in the firefighter brotherhood, he always remained. As difficult as it was to completely step away from emergency public service, Mr. Haley found another love as a 911 dispatcher for the Town of Hingham, where he was able to continue his act of service and also make some great friends along the way.

In between his jobs, Mr. Haley also had an entrepreneurial spirit, which led him to open other small businesses such as a bait shop, a sports shop, a penny candy store, and his cherished EJay’s Courier Service, which he co-founded with his dear friend Jay Tolman. You could also find Mr. Haley at most fires and emergencies, taking video that he would share with the local fire departments for education purposes as well as local news channels. The scanners and the in-house fire bells were an every day occurrence and something Mr. Haley took pride in. He spent most of his life in Hull with his loving wife, Gervaise, and four cherished children, EJ, John, Geri, and Arianne.

A true family man, Mr. Haley’s life revolved around the people he loved most. He was also a genuinely funny man with a quick wit and a mischievous streak. He loved to tell a good joke and absolutely thrived on pulling one over on people – always in good fun, and always with a big smile. His humor and lightheartedness brought joy to all who knew him. A lifelong animal lover, Mr. Haley had a special place in his heart for the many pets and creatures who shared his life journey.

Above all, Mr. Haley treasured his role as “Papa.” Whether cheering from the sidelines at games, attending school events, or simply enjoying visits at home, he found his greatest happiness in the time spent with his grandchildren.

His legacy of kindness, strength, humor, and unwavering love for his family will be remembered and celebrated by all who had the honor to know him.

Mr. Haley was predeceased by his beloved wife, Gervaise Long Haley, with whom he built a life centered on love and family. He was a devoted father of his four children: Edward J. Haley, III and his wife, Darlene, of Hanson; John Haley and his wife, Cyndi, of Weymouth; Gervaise (Geri) Calos and her partner, Corey Pierce, of Tyngsboro; and Arianne Getz and her husband, Jason, of Weymouth. But nothing brought him more joy than spending precious time with Nannie and his cherished grandchildren – Nicholas Haley, Jessica Sebastyn, Hannah Sebastyn, Matthew Haley, Shauna Haley, Thomas Haley, Johnny Haley, Brendan Calos, Jack Calos, Gervaise (Jessi) Calos, Devon Getz, and Avery Getz – who lovingly gave him his most adored title of “Papa.”

He is also survived by his loving companion, Christine Shea of Quincy, his beloved siblings Kathleen Haley, Carol Tompkins, Barbara Orlandi, Philip Haley, as well as his many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. He was the brother of the late Joan Stone.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Sunday, August 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St., Hingham, followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. Visit www.keohane.com for online condolences.