Edward Joseph Pelletier, Sr.

Edward Joseph Pelletier, Sr., 87 of Bennington, passed away unexpectedly on June 1, 2020.   He was born in Waltham, MA on January 1, 1933, the first baby born in the United States that year.   He was the son of Jules and Eleonore (Pruneau) Pelletier of Quebec, Canada.

Ed (also known as “Fast Eddie”) served in the Korean War from 1950-`1953 as a heavy equipment mechanic with his MOS in Motor Transportation. He spent most of his time overseas in Germany. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal from the United States Army.

After he returned to civilian life, he owned and operated a scrap auto business and worked as an auto mechanic for dozens of years in Waltham, Massachusetts. He then met his future wife, Jane and they moved to New Hampshire in 1977.

Ed then started a feed and grain store at their home and operated a fully functional farm with over 3,000 rabbits, hundreds of chickens, ducks, geese, goats, sheep and cows. After their agriculture adventure grew exponentially,  he and Jane opened up a full service pet shop which they ran successfully from 1986-2007 when they both decided  it was time to retire.

Later in life after his beloved wife passed, Ed loved to ‘tinker’ on small engines and work around his property on multiple projects. He enjoyed going to the “Bennington Mall” at the Transfer Station striking up conversations with the employees and fellow townspeople. He was strong in his beliefs and opinions and he made sure that was known.

He enjoyed spending time with his beloved Grandson, Darin Fulton of Gilsum, NH. Darin could often be seen at his Grandfather’s home, helping him with many projects and working on Ed’s cars and trucks, Darin also took Ed on his grocery shopping trips in his BMW sometimes shocking Ed by driving “a little too fast” and “a little too loud”.

Ed was an active member of the VFW in Bennington, as well as the Bennington Congregational Church where he would play the part of “The Innkeeper” every Christmas for their live nativity.

He had many friends who would come visit him at home where they could feed the huge Koi in his pond, and hang out with the resident turtle, “Paco”.

Even after all he had been through and living on his own at his home in Bennington at 87 years old, Ed still had his dream of selling enough lawnmowers, boats and vehicles to save up to buy a new pickup truck and  trailer and travel to “The Heartland” with friends.

Ed is survived by his daughter, Ellie Mooney and her husband Daniel of Gilsum, NH; Edward “EJ” Pelletier, Jr and his wife Amanda of Dummerston VT, Kim Pelletier Shea and her husband Jeff of Millis, MA; Dennis Pelletier and his wife, Marsha of Hillsboro, NH and Cynthia Pelletier of Waltham, MA.

He is also survived by his siblings, Louise Savoy of Canaan, ME; Bernadette Hart and her husband David of Canaan, ME and Lorraine Dewar of Wayland, MA ; his grandchildren, Darin, Rosemary, Dennis, Jr, Madison and Bailey along with 3 step-grandchildren;  one  great- grandchild, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was predeceased by his wife, Jane of 35 years in 2015; his brothers, Jules and Richard, and his sisters Ellie, Irene, Marie, and Jeanette.

A graveside service will be announced at a later date at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Bennington, NH, with full military honors.  He he will be buried alongside his wife Jane (Barringer) Pelletier at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Bennington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Edward’s name to The Bennington NH Fire & Rescue, 7 School St., Suite 103, Bennington, NH 03442.