Edwin “Ted” Warner, Williamsburg’s oldest resident, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2019, at the age of 101. Born in Northampton, MA, August 30, 1917, he was the son of William Edwin Warner and Lucy (Jeanotte) Warner. Ted graduated from Northampton High School in 1935, following which he enlisted in the United States Navy for a four-year tour of duty. After his naval service, Ted joined his father in the operation of the family dairy farm in Florence. Ted was active in the affairs of his community. He served on the City Council, the Northampton School Board for 16 years, the Board of Public Works for 12 years, and the Hampshire County Retirement Board. He was a trustee of the Florence Savings Bank, a lifelong member of Elks Lodge #997, and a long time Director and Officer of the Three County Fair Association. At one time, Ted operated the Williamsburg Snack Bar and he owned and operated the Community Bowling Lanes in Westfield, MA. Ted was a licensed nursing home administrator and was the administrator for many years of the Hampshire County Long Term Care Facility in Leeds, MA. During his “retirement,” he enjoyed staying active in County Fair activities, following local and national politics, reading voraciously, and rooting for the Yankees.
Ted was predeceased by his wife, Irene Karnawitz, and their son, Mark, by four sisters, Ruth Toy, Louise Bordeau, Alice Whalen and Margaret Clark, and son-in-law Daniel Connor. He is survived by his wife Lillian (Dickinson) Warner, a daughter, Diane Connor and her sons, David and Joseph, a daughter, Lynn Warner and her husband, David Rousseau and their children, Nate and Ellie. Ted is survived by his sister, Lucille Clark of Williamsburg, MA, several nieces and nephews, step children, Robert Smart, Cynthia Kirby and Laurie Norris of Denver, CO, and step grandchildren Bob Smart, Michelle Woodley, Amy Streger, Valerie Peterson, Chris Kirby, Meagan Rosales, Ryan Norris and Evan Norris.
At Ted’s request, there will be no calling hours. The funeral service and burial will be private at the convenience of the family. It is requested that memorial gifts be made to the Mark Warner Scholarship Fund c/o the Principal, Northampton High School, 380 Elm St., Northampton, MA, 01060.