Edward Joseph Hanafin

"With a sailor's heart and an Irish soul, He journeys now on fairer seas." 

Edward “Ed” Joseph Hanafin, 90, of Hingham, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025, just days after celebrating his 90th birthday surrounded by family and friends. 

Born on September 6, 1935, at Sloane Hospital for Women in Manhattan, NY, Ed was the beloved son of Patrick Hanafin (1906–1952) and Mary B. Kehoe (1904–2002). 

Proud to serve his country, Ed was an Artillery Gun Commander in the United States Army. After his service, he attended Fordham University, where his leadership shone brightly. He was elected class president three times, honored in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities, and even launched a student dance business that paid his tuition. He graduated in 1960 with a B.S. in Business Management.

It was at Fordham that Ed met his wife, Elaine, in a performance of the play O My People. From that moment on, they were inseparable. They married shortly after graduation and, this past May, celebrated 65 years of marriage. 

Ed built a successful career as District Sales Manager with Procter & Gamble, where his drive and people-first approach defined his professional life. His work brought the family from New York to Scituate, MA, where they made their home for more than 60 years. 

Alongside his career, Ed devoted countless hours to his community: serving on the Industrial Development Board, the Scituate Waterways Commission, the Board of Directors of the South Shore Campfire Girls, the Scituate JayCees, the Veterans Advisory Council, and as Commodore of the Scituate Harbor Yacht Club. He also served two terms as Senior Warden at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Scituate, where his family worshipped for many years. 

A man of many passions, Ed was happiest on the water, racing and sailing aboard his cherished boat, Whimsy. He also loved skiing with family and friends, creating treasured memories as a member of the Penguin Ski Club at Loon Mountain and at Tenney Mountain. 

Tennis and golf were lifelong pursuits, and he relished spirited games of backgammon and poker. A devoted fan of Jeopardy! Ed’s quick wit and sharp mind convinced everyone who knew him that he could have been a champion. 

Ed leaves behind his beloved wife of 65 years, Elaine; daughters, Kim and Kathryn; four grandchildren—Heather, Brandon, Cameron, and Noah; and five great-grandchildren—Ian, Eli, Jackson, Bryce, and Ava. 

He was predeceased by his parents; his sisters, Patricia Cassels, Marguerite Arnold, and Peggy McCarthy; and his cherished granddaughter, Heather Renée Vineyard. 

His legacy is one of love, faith, service, and adventure. His warmth, wisdom, humor, and generosity of spirit will remain in the hearts of all who knew him. 

A service will be held at a later date to honor his life. 

“The sea is wide, the road is long, but love will guide us home. Until we meet again.” 

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Edward J. Hanafin may be made to: Melanoma Research Alliance Donate  and to the Lewy Body Dementia Association