Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
Edward S. Sadowski, affectionately known as “Eddie”, age 95, of Marco Island, Florida, formerly of Wilmington, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at home on October 26, 2026, surrounded by his loving daughters following a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in New York City on November 8, 1930, Eddie was the son of the late Steven and Katherine (Nyles) Sadowski. He spent his early years in foster care in East Bridgewater before moving to Wilmington as a teenager. A proud Wilmington Wildcat, Eddie attended Wilmington High School, where he played on the undefeated 1948–1949 football team. He and his teammates were later inducted into the Wilmington Wildcat Hall of Fame. Graduating with the Class of 1949, Eddie made lifelong friends and always cherished those early years.
In 1952, Eddie married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Rosa Amaro. Shortly after returning from their honeymoon, Eddie was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War. Beginning his active-duty service in May 1952, he was sent overseas with the 307th Engineer Battalion, leaving his young bride at home. He was honorably discharged in May 1954 and returned to Wilmington, eager to begin building a life with Rosa.
Eddie was a man of extraordinary determination, intelligence, and work ethic. During those years, Eddie and Rosa were given a piece of family land on Forest Street, and he set out to build a home for his growing family, which he did, all with his own hands. That home became so much more than a house; it was a place filled with warmth, laughter, generosity, and unconditional love. Their door was always open to family and friends and everyone who entered was made to feel welcome.
Eddie’s professional accomplishments were as remarkable as his personal ones. He began his engineering career as a draftsman while attending Northeastern University, where he attained his engineering degree. He went on to become Lead Engineer at Harvard University’s high energy physics lab, where he created devices, some of which contributed to work associated with Nobel Prizes. His engineering contributions earned him recognition in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
Among his many original designs was a patient transport backboard, a practical and innovative invention that continues to be used by countless EMTs and fire departments around the world.
Through years of dedication, creativity, and hard work, he was a highly respected and valued employee whose ingenuity and technical expertise helped advance the field of engineering. His accomplishments reflected not only his exceptional talent but also his lifelong desire to understand how things worked and, more importantly, how they could be made better.
Eddie’s talents extended far beyond the workplace. There seemed to be nothing he couldn’t build, repair, or create. He once built his own color television from scratch and painted Christmas murals that were the talk of the neighborhood. He loved his Cadillacs, and was often found under the hood lying under the chassis, repairing and maintaining all our cars. He also took great pride in maintaining his rental properties. Whether he was creating something extraordinary or fixing an everyday problem, Eddie approached everything with the same curiosity and determination.
Although Eddie loved to work hard, he also knew how to enjoy life. He and Rosa shared a wonderful lifetime of travel and adventure, exploring destinations throughout Europe and the Caribbean, enjoying cruises, and making countless memories with family and friends. One of his favorite getaways was Las Vegas, where they enjoyed the excitement of the Strip, attending shows, and trying their luck at the casinos.
They also treasured their cottage on Plum Island, where Eddie especially loved surf fishing off the jetty, soaking up the sunshine, and relaxing on the beach. More than 30 years ago, Eddie and Rosa bought their retirement home on Marco Island, Florida, where they enjoyed making new friends, welcoming family, and creating another lifetime of beautiful memories. Eddie loved taking people out on his boat, fishing, and especially golfing. Together, Eddie and Rosa were the ultimate hosts. Their warmth, hospitality, and fun-loving personalities made every gathering special, and everyone loved spending time with them.
Above all, Eddie’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished Grampy and Great-Grampy, and a wonderful friend to so many. He had the best sense of humor, a smile that could light up a room, and an endearing personality that made people feel instantly at ease. Despite his many accomplishments and extraordinary talents, Eddie remained humble, down-to-earth, kind, and generous. He was always willing to lend a hand, share his knowledge, or offer a helping heart.
Eddie had a special bond with each member of his family, and his love for them was unwavering. His presence brought comfort, laughter, and joy, and the lessons he taught through his hard work, kindness, and devotion will continue to guide those who loved him. His remarkable life was measured not only by what he built and accomplished, but by the countless lives he touched and the love he gave so freely.
Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will live on forever in the hearts of his family and friends.
Eddie was the beloved husband of the late Rosa (Amaro) Sadowski; devoted father of Rosann Guarino and her husband, Mark, and Leeann Sadowski and her partner, Lincoln Williams, all of Wilmington; loving “Grampy” of Tarryn Guarino and her wife, Dede, of Lynn; Evan Guarino and his wife, Chelsea, of Bolton; and Jonathan Sadowski and his partner, Shelby Barillas, of Wilmington. He was the proud Great-Grampy of Nolan and Quinn Guarino.
He was the dear brother-in-law of the late Dolores and George Silva and John and the late Phyllis Amaro, all of Wilmington. He was the special “Titi Eddie” to Robin and Bob Gearty, Cherylann and Peter Arvanitis, Patti Silva and the late Rick Silva, and the late Denise Amaro. He was also the dear cousin of Maria and Tino Pires and Martin and the late Marie Vieira, and is also survived by many loving great-nieces, great-nephews, and treasured friends and neighbors.
After Rosa’s passing, Eddie found love again with the late Helen Kocoras and was embraced by her daughter, son, and their families.
Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours at Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Avenue (Route 62), Wilmington, MA, on Monday, November 2nd, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to gather at the Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 3rd, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Thomas Church, 126 Middlesex Avenue, Wilmington, MA, at 10:30 a.m. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Wildwood Cemetery in Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Eddie’s memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.
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