Southborough – Edward T. Dakai, 68, of Southborough and formerly of Arizona, died at his home Saturday, February 14, 2015, surrounded by his family, after a long battle with cancer.
Born in Framingham, he was the son of the late Cecilia (Gannon) and Louis Dakai.
Ed was a graduate of Framingham South High School and Newbury College. He was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps and serviced in the Vietnam War. For many years, he worked for Avery Dennison in Framingham before moving to Arizona where he worked for Smart Health until he retired in 2007. He loved all sports, but was a dedicated Patriots fan.
Ed is survived by his daughters, Irene Simpson and her husband John, Barbara Ryan and her husband Keith, all of Bellingham, Patricia Roche and her husband David of Southborough, and Tamera Dakai and her fiancé David Holland of Bellingham; his siblings, Louis Dakai of Southborough and James Dakai and Rosalie Dakai of Arizona; 13 grandchildren, John (Jay) and Kaitlyn Simpson, Micheala Barsotti, Alison and Sarah Hodgdon, Haley Tampsett, Zachary Ryan, Edward ‘Tommy’, Austin and Graham Roche, Kimberly, Kyle and Amanda Holland; and many other family members and friends who cared for him during his illness. He was predeceased by daughter, Laura Dakai, and his sister, Kathleen Pabon.
Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 4-7 p.m., at the Morris Funeral Home, 40 Main St., Southborough. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday, Feb. 19, at 10 a.m., at St Anne Church, 20 Boston Rd., Southborough. Burial will follow at 1:45 p.m. at Bourne National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project, Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.
To leave word of condolence to the family, visit www.morrisfuneralparlor.com.