Edward John Wasielewski, Jr.

Edward John Wasielewski, Jr. age 77.

Eternal rest was granted to Edward John Wasielewski, Jr. on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, his birthday, at the age of 77.

Ed was born on February 21, 1947, one of six children, to Edward J. Wasielewski, Sr. and Wanda J. (Zukowski) Wasielewski in the village of Montague City, Massachusetts.  Ed graduated from Turners Falls High School in Massachusetts in 1965. At the age of 20, he bravely stood with his country, serving in the United States Navy.  He served over six years as an electronics technician, much of that time on the USS Constellation CVA-64 during the Vietnam War. He was Honorably Discharged with several medals pertaining to his service. After returning home, Ed married the love of his life, Mary Walker on May 3, 1975 in Syracuse, New York and had a son, Donald Edward and daughter, Mary Cecelia.

Ed was a wise and well-read man.  He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts and held a long career as a welder in manufacturing.  He enjoyed the study of geology and was a gifted jewelry maker. He loved sharing his jewelry with others, never asking for anything in return other than a smile. Ed was a faithful parishioner of the Catholic Church and enjoyed God’s beautiful creation though hiking, camping, hunting and fishing. Although Ed was an introvert, his gentle and loving heart drew people close to him. He taught religious education to children in the 1980’s and early 1990’s. He was a Cub Scout Den Leader for his son. He passed on his love of nature to his children who have since passed it on to his grandchildren. Being in the woods is where he found himself closest to God. It’s where he was at his most peace.

Ed and Mary moved to Branson, Missouri from Hudson, New Hampshire in 2016 after living in Hudson since 1981. They enjoyed living in the area and spending time with their son, Don Wasielewski and wife Tamara also of Branson and their five grandchildren, Connor Edward, Trevor Joseph, Hunter Andrew, Walker John and Emma Jennie. Ed leaves wonderful memories to be held dear by Mary, Don, Tamara and his grandchildren. He will also be deeply missed by his siblings, Timothy Wasielewski of Willington, CT, Daniel Wasielewski of Fairfield, IA, Tammy Cone and husband John of Matthews, NC and Laura Wasielewski-Falkengren and husband Gary of Bedford, NH. He was preceded in death by his parents, his cherished daughter, Mary C. Wasielewski, beloved grandchildren, Angel and Francis and one sister, Kathleen Prentice.

The Rosary service for Ed will be Sunday evening, February 25, 2024 beginning at 6:00 p.m. in Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory, Branson.  Visitation will begin at 6:30pm and will continue until 7:30 p.m., Sunday evening.  Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 26, 2024 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Branson led by Father Nicholas Newton.  Ed will be laid to rest directly following the mass in Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery, Branson with full Military Honors by the United States Navy and Branson Veterans of America 913.