Edward A. Cunniffe, of Melrose, died unexpectedly on Feb. 23, 2017 at the age of 57. To talk about Ed is to tell you that Ed was the perfect gentlemen, who always thought about others first and himself second. He was kind, considerate, smart, funny, the nicest person you could meet but truly understated. He would always have a grin on his face and a kind word for all. Ed was a family man, he loved spending time with his wife of 30 years Ellen and his kids Jackii, Chris and Becca whether it was walking, hiking, biking, going to the movies or simply playing a board game. He was a devoted sports dad going to all the kid's games and even coaching for some. Ed came from a large but extremely close family where spending time with them or having a game night with siblings was common. He was an avid Boston sport's fan especially the Bruin's, Patriot's and Celtics. He went to many Bruin's games and when not able to go would root for them from home. He and Ellen had the enviable opportunity to have a special dinner with Terry O'Reilly and his wife at the Capri restaurant, which was a highlight in Ed's life. He was an avid lover of classic cars and was always working on his 70 Chevy Nova. He had an old Studebaker that he had not started working on but was excited to rebuild at some point. During the summer months Ed could be found on his motorcycle whether just taking a ride or going for a ride with his son Chris. He was a natural athlete who excelled at any sport he especially loved playing tennis on Saturdays with his friends Chuck, Scott and Tom. Ed could always be found tinkering on something whether it was his cars, the house, yard, equipment or just re-organizing something he was always doing something productive. He was an incredible fix it guy (we always joked he was MacGyver) as he could truly fix anything with his ingenuity which was inherited from his dad. His biggest fan was his mother-in-law Gladys who always was amazed at how talented he was at fixing anything she would always say "Oh God love Ed he could fix anything". Ed worked at VHB in Watertown and would always be talking about how lucky he was that he had an exceptional boss (Jim and Bob), that he had a job he liked and that the people and the company appreciated him. He loved and appreciated life and even with his heart being what it was he never let it stop him from doing anything including helping people or enjoying life. Ed was the beloved husband of Ellen (Latshaw) Cunniffe. Devoted father of Jackii Cunniffe of Cambridge, Chris Cunniffe & Rebecca Cunniffe, both of Melrose. Loving son of the late Charles W. & Jacqueline L. (Reade) Cunniffe. Caring brother of Charles Cunniffe & his wife Angela of CO, Larry Cunniffe of CA, Charlene Cunniffe & Dick Csaplar of Somerville, Maureen Denison & her husband John of Andover, Eileen Labrecque & her husband Bob of N. Andover, Francine Cunniffe of NH and John Cunniffe & his wife Marie of Westford. Brother in law of Thomas Latshaw & his wife Patty of VA, Christine Pearse & her husband David of NH and Michael Latshaw & his wife Barbara of Stoneham. Son in law of Gladys Latshaw of Melrose. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives & friends. Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Thursday, March 2nd from 4-8PM. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home on Friday, March 3rd at 8:45AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in the Church of the Incarnation, 425 Upham St., Melrose at 10AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers you may make donations in Ed Cunniffe's name to: Brigham & Women's Cardiovascular Research and Education Fund #016284 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115.