Edward M. Lahey

Retired F.B.I. Special Agent Edward "Ed" Lahey, known for his unwavering dedication to family, community, and justice, passed away peacefully at his home in Lee, MA, on April 27, 2024, at the age of 85, one day before his birthday. He was the only child of Frank and Madeline (Gibbons) Lahey. 
His life was a testament to fidelity, bravery, integrity, and a tireless passion for coaching. Ed's career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) spanned 25 years, during which he tackled some of their most challenging cases with tenacity and skill, earning him the respect of his colleagues and the communities he served. 
Ed's early life in the hills of Western Massachusetts instilled in him a love for his hometown of Lee that would last a lifetime. After graduating from St. Mary’s Elementary School and Cranwell Preparatory School, he went on to graduate from Notre Dame University. 
As a Special Agent with the FBI two of Ed's most memorable cases occurred while assigned to the Birmingham, AL, office in 1964, and the New York City office during the height of organized crime. His investigative skills played a major part in convicting the KKK members who shot and killed Viola Liuzzo, a civil rights Freedom Rider, who was helping to drive African Americans to the voting booths. In NYC, his skills at electronic surveillance earned him the respect of fellow law enforcement members. While assigned to Albany, NY, Ed's bravery and ingenuity were on full display as his intuitive placement of wiretaps provided enough evidence to curtail the operations of major drug smuggling activities. These talents may have led to his code name, “The Flea.” 
After retiring from the FBI he dedicated himself to serving Lee. In 1987 Ed received the Robert Lucy award in appreciation for his continued service and dedication to the youth of Lee. In 2000 Ed was given a lifetime achievement award by the Massachusetts Association of School Committees in recognition of his many years of service as a strong advocate for children and his unselfish contributions to the community of Lee. In 2005 and again in 2013 Ed and Clare both received the Joao Rodrigues distinguished service award from the Massachusetts Secondary School Athletic Directors Association for their 20 plus years as coaches with the Lee High School Tennis Teams. In 2006 Ed was awarded the certificate of recognition from the National Football Foundation for his commitment and dedication to the sport of football and the youth that play. 
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ed was a devoted husband, father, and friend. His love for his wife Clare “Bunnie” (Gardell), whom he met in her hometown of Arlington, VA, was evident in every aspect of their 62 years of life together. They raised four children, Anita Lahey, of Shaver Lake, CA;, Mike (Melissa Batie) Lahey of Salisbury, MD; Vince (Diana Duffey) Lahey of Carefree, AZ; and Amanda (Rob Mess) Lahey of Longmont, CO, and created a home filled with love, laughter, and compassion. They produced four beautiful grandchildren: Chelsea (Aaron Jones) Lahey of Salisbury, MD; Lucas Scott of Longmont, CO; Ella Lahey studying at University of VT; Holden Lahey at Hawaii Preparatory Academy, Waimea, HI. Finally, two great-grandchildren, Wesley and Wyn Jones, 6 and 3 years old, have filled him with delight. 
Ed's legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the impact he made on his community. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his unwavering integrity, and his dedication to making the world a better place. As a good friend said just recently that every time Ed walked into Gateway Physical Therapy, he would have something humorous to say to lighten everyone’s spirits. 
The family would like to thank all the caretakers and doctors who cared for Ed over the past several years as his health slipped beyond his ability to fully tackle his many passions. Nevertheless, he continued to fight for his full rehabilitation with the assistance of Amedisys Home Health Care right up to his last nine days, when Hospice of the Berkshires took over to allow him to obtain his last wish of dying at home. Even when dependent upon walkers and wheelchairs, he continued assisting with coaching and nurturing young people. With the help of the entire family, who descended from around the country, he was able to receive visitors right up to the last day, succumbing to metastatic brain cancer the day before his birthday. He was surrounded by his entire family as Monsignor Bonzagni and Father McGrath, two of his favorite priests, gave him a blessing a few moments before his passing.
Visiting hours will be held at Kelly Funeral Home from 4-6 pm on Thursday, May 2, 2024. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday morning at 11am at St. Vincent de Paul Church at 29 Crystal Street, Lenox Dale. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Lee. A celebration of Ed's life will follow from 1:30 pm to 6 pm at Greenock Country Club, Lee. 
Donations to St. Mary’s School may be made in lieu of flowers. Checks to SMS may be mailed in care of Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St., Lee, MA 01238.
If you would like to leave a message of condolence or share pictures with the family, please visit our web site at www.kellyfuneralhome.net