Westborough – Edward Francis Gillooly, 73, of Westborough, Mass., passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, after a courageous and lengthy battle with cancer.
Born March 29, 1949, Ed was raised in Salem, Mass., where he was an accomplished track star and was often seen riding his Honda 50cc motorbike around the North Shore beaches.
After high school, Ed attempted the college route, but found his calling by diving into a lengthy career in retail, working at companies including Zayre and Ames in various marketing executive roles. He ultimately retired (not once, but twice) from BJ’s Wholesale Club as an Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.
Beyond the love he had for his family, Ed had two major passions: Golf and the New England Patriots. He was a long-time member of Marlborough Country Club, and played in a number of Pro-Am and Celebrity Golf Tournaments throughout the years. He chased and ultimately recorded a hole-in-one at MCC in the early 2000s. In recent years, Ed and his wife, Kathleen, wintered in Myrtle Beach, allowing for year-round golf.
He was a season ticket holder of the New England Patriots since the 1980s, rooting the team on through the bad years, and the very good years, a passion he has passed on to his children and grandchildren. His highlight as a fan included a memory-filled trip to New Orleans to root his favorite team on in the Super Bowl in 1997.
Edward is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 51 years, Kathleen, of Westborough; his daughter, Jennifer (Gillooly) Scalese and husband, Michael Scalese, of Framingham, Mass; his son, Patrick Gillooly and wife, Ashley Gillooly, of North Reading, Mass.; his brother, John Gillooly and wife, Deb, of Salem, Mass.; his joy, his three grandchildren, Braedon, Sean and Sydney; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and other loved family members.
He was predeceased by his mother, Margaret (O’Rourke) Gillooly and his father, Edward Gillooly.
Calling hours at the Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St., Westborough, are Sunday, March 12, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. A private funeral and burial will take place in St. Luke’s Cemetery on Monday.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Edward Gillooly to support cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284, or via dana-farber.org/gift.
