Edward J. Crowley passed away at Salem Hospital on August 27, 2014. He was 87 years of age. Ed was born in South Boston on August 5, 1927 to the late James & Lillian (Turner) Crowley. Mr. Crowley was raised in Southie, attended South Boston High School before joining the merchant marine. Ed served his country with pride in the merchant marine as well as the US Army during WWII. After his discharge from the service; he continued to work in the merchant marine until 1964 before joining the International Longshoremen's Association Local #799 where he worked for 25 years. Mr. Crowley also received his real estate license and worked in Melrose, Malden and Lynn for many years. Edward lived in Burlington for several years, Melrose for 20 years and in Peabody for over 25 years. He was a proud member of the ILA Local #799, the National Maritime Union of America and enjoyed walking the North Shore Mall with his many friends in Peabody. Mr. Crowley was the husband of the late Alice (Dodge) Crowley. Father of Karen A. Crowley of Melrose, J. Christopher Crowley & his wife Glitza of Wakefield, Philip K. Crowley & his wife Patti of Haverhill and the late Edward J. Crowley Jr.. Grandfather of Glory, Jorge, Angela, Alex, Wesley, Seamus & Glitza. Great grandfather of Jayden, Brian, Dylan & Jaymien. Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Monday Sept. 1st from 4:00-8:00PM, followed by a funeral service on Tuesday at 10:00AM. Burial will follow the service on Tuesday with military honors at Blue Hill Cemetery in Braintree. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. WWII Merchant Marine & US Army Veteran. Member of ILA Local # 799. Memorial contributions may be made to EMARC, 20 Gould St. Reading, MA, 01867.