Edward Lee Childs

Edward Lee Childs of Norton Massachusetts died on June 17, 2021, at the Philip Hulitar Hospice in Providence, RI after a brave, one-year battle with hepatocellular carcinoma. Born on March 9, 1958, he was the son of the late Robert and Pauline Childs of Centerville, MA. Edward was married to his lifelong partner Barbara Russell-Childs for 35 years. He also leaves behind his beloved, young daughters, Cara and Cate Childs.

Ed graduated from Barnstable High School and received a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. After college, he began his career as the Assistant of Assessing for the Town of Barnstable. In 1988, he became the Director of Assessing for the Town of Sandwich and loved the town, its people, and the staff in all the departments of the Town Hall. Edward was a past President and Executive Board member of the Massachusetts Association of Assessing Officers, earning his MAAO designation. He was admired by his peers for his knowledge and outstanding contributions to the Assessing Profession and municipal government.

Ed was also blessed with a large family and will be missed by his siblings; Susan Elworthy and her husband, David of Centerville, MA, Brian and his wife Jan of Osterville, Nancy Childs of Assonet, Diane Childs of Centerville, and Robert Childs and his wife Sonia of St. Louis, MO. He will also be missed by his in-laws; the late William and Shirley Russell of Belchertown, Bill and Sara Russell of Shrewsbury, Rosanne Russell and Scott Burns of Wakefield and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Ed was a consummate professional and a friend to all. He was always caring, kind, funny, and loyal... especially to his Boston sports teams.

Ed will always be remembered as a very special father. The highlight of his life was traveling to China with Barbara to adopt his two daughters. The love he showered upon Cara and Cate was unwavering and always ever present. Cara graduated from the Medical Assisting program at Southeastern regional Technical High School in Easton one week before Ed's passing; she will pursue a BSN in Nursing at UMASS Dartmouth this fall. Cate is a member of the Cross Country &Track teams and DECA at Norton High School and a gifted Artist taking classes at the Attleboro Art Museum; she will enter her Junior year in September.

To support his daughter's college education, his family would appreciate donations to "Cara and Cate Childs 529 Accounts" with checks mailed to Plan Administrator, Dan Serpico, P. O. Box 270, W. Hyannisport, MA 02762.

A Celebration of Edward's life will be celebrated during an 11 am Memorial Mass on July 17, 2021 at St. Mary's Church, 1 Power St. Norton, MA.

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