Edwin Lea

Edwin Lea, 94, of Old Orchard Beach, passed away Thursday morning, October 31, 2024, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough.

He was born in St. Helens, England on June 14, 1930.  He, his twin sister and three brothers, grew up in a small two-bedroom house with no running water. His school years were filled with the sounds and horrors of World War II, as Edwin would later describe to his family the regular sounding of the air raid sirens, and the need to carry gasmasks with them every day.

As a young man he went to work for the Pilkington's Glass Factory located in his hometown that's still in existence today.

Edwin married the love of his life, Jean Price in 1955. They enjoyed dancing at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom in Blackpool England.  In 1966 they, along with their young son Gordon, moved from England to Old Orchard Beach.  Edwin worked at Valmet Inc. in Biddeford (formerly known as Honeycomb Systems) until his retirement in 1995.

Edwin was a dedicated fan of World Cup Soccer, the Liverpool Football Club, the Saint Helens Saints Rugby team and the Boston Bruins.  He was an avid bowler and belonged to a league at the former Rollaway Lanes in Biddeford.  In his younger days he enjoyed bike rides and walks on the beach, and in more recent years he would be found taking daily walks in Laurel Hill Cemetery.  He was a patron at Barreled Souls in Saco, where he and his son Gordon would go to enjoy time together over a stout or a barley wine.

Most of all, he loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He will be sadly missed.

Edwin was predeceased by his wife Jean Lea; by his twin sister, Emma Waring; and by his three brothers, Frank Lea, Norman Lea and Paul Lea.

He is survived by his son, Gordon Lea and wife Holly; by his three grandchildren, Meghan, Nick and Karsyn; by his brother-in-law John Price; and by his sister-in-law Connie Lea who just recently turned 100.

A private graveside service will take place at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gosnell Memorial Hospice House.