Edward F. Sheridan

RUTLAND - Edward F. Sheridan of Rutland, MA passed peacefully at home Friday, May 8th after a long and valiantly fought battle with kidney disease. He is survived by his wife of forty years, Amy, and children, Kate and Tim, as well as siblings Patti, David, Michael, Colleen, and Bridget, originally of Liverpool, NY. He is predeceased by his parents, Joy and Edward, and his older sister Maureen. 

Born May 1,1956 in Syracuse, NY, Ed (aka Little Eddie, Jug Band Eddie, Edzo, or Captain Cockroach) lived 70 years and 7 days on this earth in a manner that can best be described as extraordinary. A talented musician, gourmet chef, and raconteur, his generosity, humor, and numerous talents earned him a vibrant community of lifelong friends and admirers. 

A graduate of Liverpool High School, Ed received his BFA from SUNY Geneseo, where he began his musical and culinary adventures with the rollicking crew of The Idle Hour, Buzzo's, and the Big Tree Inn. After traveling the country as a stand-up bass player, he landed on the tip of Cape Cod, where a beautiful artist named Amy was his waitress his first night in Provincetown. They lived there for a decade, marrying in 1985, where Ed was a member of the Provincetown Jug Band, playing 100 nights in a row each summer at the Surf Club Restaurant.

Upon moving to Rutland to raise their children, Ed took a job at Longview Farm Studios in North Brookfield, serving as cheerful face and jack of all trades (from session musician to breakfast connoisseur) for visiting rock and roll legends - proudest of his inclusion on an Aerosmith recording, and years of subsequent Christmas cards from the band. 

In 1998, Ed started as a sous-chef at Worcester's College of the Holy Cross, eventually working his way up to Dining Hall Manager over his almost two decades there. He was a beloved presence on campus and amongst his coworkers, taking pride in living the Holy Cross mission through his service and hospitality. 

Throughout these varied endeavors, he continued to thrive in the brotherhood of musicians he loved so deeply - collaborating with several local bands (Prudence and the Ploughboys, The Dinosaurs, The Annulments, Link Montana), hosting open mic nights at Holden's Blue Plate Lounge, and continuing his connection to Cape Cod through the Provincetown Portuguese Festival and gigs throughout New England. 

He continued to expand his chosen family as a founding member of the West Rutland Yacht Club, a special group of friends with whom he could share Sunday Patriots football games, grand-prize winning Fourth of July floats, and hosting his perennially beloved Christmas morning pajama brunch. 

Ed defied the medical odds on so many occasions it earned him the nickname "Captain Cockroach" - complete with a cape to prove it. He never lost his stubbornness, sense of humor, or joie de vivre, holding on to this life and it's joys with tenacity. His family would like to extend particular thanks to Dr. Linsey Barker, Dr. Matthew Niemi, and his dialysis staff (Michael, Anthony, and Mary) for their care in this final journey.

Calling hours will be held from 4:00-7:00 PM on Friday, May 15th at Miles Funeral Home in Holden with a celebration of life to be held the following day. If possible, the family encourages casual, colorful attire in accordance with Ed's vibrant personality.

In lieu of flowers (and in honor of Ed's love of a good party), donations can be made to Ed's Last Bash online via https://tinyurl.com/edslastbash or to the Provincetown Portuguese Festival in his honor at provincetownportuguesefestival.com. 

To leave a message or share a memory please visit www.milesfuneralhome.com