GOSHEN - Edward A. Joyner, longtime resident of Goshen, died Friday March 27th at home after a period of failing health. Born August 18,1938 to Leslie and Grace (Knapp) Joyner, he was the youngest of seven siblings raised on the family farm in Cummington where he developed his work ethic and his love of gardening and the outdoors. He attended Cummington schools. Upon graduation from Pittsfield High School, he completed the General Electric Apprenticeship Program and after a few brief jobs including working on his brother Clark’s dairy farm he spent his entire career at GE in Pittsfield.

He was happily married to Mary Lou (Judd) for over 60 years, and they raised three children, had 5 grandchildren and one great grandchild who were his pride and joy. Family was always important and he attended as many dance recitals, school programs, games and big life events as he could.

After early retirement he dedicated his time to his garden. He loved to give tours and chat with people who stopped to buy his tomatoes or other veggies. Each Christmas season he spent hours creating beautiful wreaths, roping and evergreen decorations for family and friends.

Ed is survived by his wife Mary Lou, daughter Andrea (Chuck) Sisson of Concord, NH, daughter Jennifer (Doug) Brown of Farmington, CT and son Christopher (Nancy) Joyner of Williamsburg. Grandchildren Kelsie (Reid) Liimatainen and their son Hudson, Morgan (Sky) Sisson, Katie Joyner and her boyfriend Joseph Williamson, Garrett Sisson and boyfriend Cameron Morse and Mikayla Joyner. He is also survived by his sister Phyllis Chase of CT and sister-in-law Cynthia Joyner of Cummington and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Frank (Terry, Delores), Ralph (Jean) Joyner, R. Clark Joyner, sisters Elizabeth (George) Adams, Dorothy (Elton) Magoon and brother-in-law Donald Chase.

Calling hours for Ed will be Friday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at AHEARN FUNERAL HOME, 783 Bridge Rd., Northampton. A spring burial in Goshen Center cemetery will be private.

A special thanks for all the love and support always offered by Mary Lou’s family, especially for the recent meals, visits and medical equipment loans. We truly appreciated the excellent professional and caring help from Cooley Dickenson VNA/Hospice which greatly improved his last days. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to one of the following: Highland Ambulance EMS Inc. P.O. Box 842 Goshen, MA 01032-0842; Cooley Dickenson VNA/Hospice P.O. Box 329 Northampton, MA 01061-9935; The Cummington Fair/ Hillside Agricultural Society P.O. Box 3004 Ashfield, MA 01030.