Edward J. Petrie, a devoted father, proud Coast Guard veteran, and passionate community member, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2025, at the age of 86.Born on September 24, 1938, Ed lived a life rich in service, love, and quiet leadership. He shared a long and loving marriage with his late wife, Carolyn Petrie, who passed in 2018. Together, they raised their four children in Rye, where Ed became a beloved figure in the local little league community—serving on the board, umpiring countless games, and becoming well-known for his signature way of calling a strike at home plate.
Ed’s love of the water began early and only deepened during his time in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1960 until his honorable discharge in 1963. Though he never owned a boat of his own, he found joy captaining for friends, always happiest at the helm with the wind in his face.
After retiring from Weil-McLain, where he spent over 15 years as a regional sales representative, Ed continued his maritime service through the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. He held many roles over the years, but most cherished was his time as assistant lighthouse keeper at the historic Boston Light—a position that perfectly blended his love for the sea with his deep sense of duty.
Ed is survived by his four children: John Petrie (Maureen) of Richboro, PA; Scott Petrie (Renee) of Bothell, WA; Kathy Stark (Scott) of Spring Lake, NJ; and Lori Fischer (Marc) of Westport, CT. He also leaves behind ten beloved grandchildren: Kylie Alcabes, Emma Stark, Bailey Stark, Liam Stark, Tyler Petrie, Carson Petrie, Meghan Petrie, Ryan Petrie, Hannah Fischer, and Claire Fischer. His family continues to grow with the addition of his great-grandchild, Cassian Alcabes, whose arrival brought Ed immense joy in his final months.
Ed will be remembered for his steady presence, dry wit, generosity of spirit, and his deep commitment to service—both to his country and his community.
A gathering to celebrate Ed’s life will be held on Saturday, July 26, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Graham Funeral Home in Rye, followed by a casual reception with light food and beverages at Rye Grill & Bar, where friends and family will raise a glass in his honor. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Ed’s memory to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, an organization that meant so much to him.
