Edward David Lennon, obituary

Tue, 01/13/2026 - 10:50am

Edward David Lennon

BELFAST — Edward David Lennon of Belfast, Maine, and formerly of Dunwoody, Georgia, passed away at his home on Monday, December 22, 2025. He was surrounded by his three daughters, Jennifer, Elizabeth and Victoria; his second wife, Patricia Heinz, her daughter Anne; and by the love and prayers of family and friends, both near and far. He had achieved his oft-stated goal of a long and storied life, on his own terms and in his own time.

Ed was born in Concord, Massachusetts, on July 9, 1934, and was the first of four children born to Joseph and Dorothy Lennon. He grew up in Natick, Massachusetts. While living in New York, New York, he met Mary Elizabeth Scott and they soon married. Ed and Mary settled into their first home in Marblehead, Massachusetts.

To his family, Ed was a real renaissance man and a gifted storyteller. He wrote a book of his “Early Years,” which he presented to family during a celebration for his 90th birthday. He was an amateur historian and many family trips were spent visiting battlefields, parks, and museums with Ed as docent leading the way, sharing insights with his children and grandchildren.

Ed was a modern father long before they were celebrated as they are today. His spaghetti sauce and meatloaf were legendary. His daughters all marvel at how he was able to be such a hands-on father despite a demanding job and many other hobbies and passions. Hockey was a huge part of his life, and he played in amateur leagues well into his 70’s alongside players who were decades younger.

Ed’s long career with Delta Airlines in flight control operations was the result of a lifelong interest in aviation, which was kickstarted by four years in the U.S. Navy as an aircraft mechanic. Coupled with an insatiable curiosity about the world and some serious wanderlust, he followed his aviation dreams from Boston to New York to California, back to Boston and finally to Atlanta, where he and Mary raised their daughters. Mary shared his curiosity about the world and his love of travel, and they definitely passed those genes down to their daughters and grandchildren.

Retiring to Maine took a bittersweet turn as Ed became the primary caretaker for his wife of 47 years, as Mary’s Alzheimer's disease progressed. He found solace in researching his genealogy, building out his already impressive library collection, and enrolling in senior college classes. His love of learning was contagious, and his daughters received many phone calls about must-visit places, must-read books and must-see documentaries. Importantly, he modeled for his family what resilience looks like. Ed was active in his AA chapters in Dunwoody and Belfast, where he hosted a weekly meeting at his home, mentoring many during his 45 years of sobriety. He was an active board member of the Belfast Historical Society & Museum and active member at his local church, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Belfast. A deep appreciation for the arts, music, and theatre had been an important part of Ed and Mary’s life together, and he continued to seek opportunities to enjoy and support these things in Maine.

After Mary’s passing in 2010, Ed married Patricia Heinz and they had 15 wonderful years together. Pat and her family embraced Ed and ensured that his last chapter of life was filled with love, travel, and sailing. The number of Red Sox, Bruins, UMaine Blackbears, and Patriot games that Pat patiently endured is surely a testament. Quiet moments on his sunporch, listening to music, reading books, and watching the sparkling waters of the Maine coast were among the things Ed treasured in his final months.

Ed Lennon was a bright light, and the world is a better place for the 91 years he spent here. As a father and grandfather, he set the bar almost impossibly high. As a loyal and devoted friend and husband, he was all in. His positive outlook on life, zest for knowledge in all forms, his compassion and service to others, and his gift of storytelling are his legacy. We honor his memory by telling his stories.

Ed is survived by his wife Pat; his three daughters; and his seven grandchildren: Sophia Petritz, Annelise Petritz, Genevieve Petritz, Mary Grace Leatherbury, James Leatherbury, Natalie Dettwiler and Samantha Dettwiler.

A memorial mass will be held Friday, January 30, 2026, at 11 a.m., at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 81 Court Street, Belfast, ME 04915.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave, Belfast, ME 04915.

In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to donate in Ed’s name to the Belfast Historical Society at https://belfastmuseum.org/ and using the donate button at the top of the home page or by mailing a check.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com