Edward “Ed” Willette, aka “Popie,” beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away on July 5, 2026. Ed was born on April 1, 1954, in Burlington, Vt. He was the son of Charles and Mildred (Fitzpatrick) Willette. Ed spent most of his childhood in Burlington and was a 1972 graduate of Burlington High School.
Ed was a third-generation lineman and spent most of his career working for Central Vermont Public Service. He moved on to Verizon Communications as a special services technician and finished his professional life in the IS department at Southwest Vermont Medical Center. Ed was extremely passionate about the linemen trade. He mentored, taught and prepared many apprentices for their upcoming exams and the physical rigors of the trade.
Ed was a perfectionist and a “jack of all trades.” He meticulously built his home and always found time to help his children tackle their own home improvement projects. (However, the plumbing projects were his least favorite, and oftentimes he left them for someone else.)
Ed’s most cherished times were spent with his children and grandchildren. He was a proud father and grandfather and frequently shared their many accomplishments with others. He spent countless hours joining in games, hosting camp sleepovers, cooking their favorite meals — especially “brefix,” i.e. breakfast (no one knows where the word “brefix” came from) — helping with math homework and cheering from the sidelines. He actively listened to their life aspirations and encouraged them to follow their dreams.
Ed leaves behind his wife, Mary, of 42 years; three children, Jason, Sara and Samantha; 11 grandchildren, Josh, Sean, Isaac, Asher, Evan, Maddy, Eli, Jackson, Noah, Lucille and Eden; three brothers, Charlie, Michael and Peter; and three sisters, Cherrie, Colleen and Monica. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Mildred Willette, and his sister Patricia.