Edward “Ted” F. Furey, 69, of West Yarmouth, Mass., formerly of Great Barrington, passed away on September 14, 2023 following a long illness. Born December 30, 1953, Ted was the son of the late Edward and Agnes Litchfield Furey.
Ted graduated from Monument Mountain Regional High School in 1971 and earned his bachelor’s degree in history from SUNY, Albany and his master’s degree in education administration from Antioch College.
Ted began his career as a teacher then administrator in local residential schools. In his later years, Ted secured his dream job as a travel guide working for Collette Tours. As a guide, Ted traveled to the British Isles and Germany sharing his knowledge of history with guests on tour. He was often requested for future tours by repeat groups who marveled at Ted’s expertise of the history and mastery of storytelling. The job also allowed Ted to be home during the winter months, so he could attend all of the boys’ basketball games in high school and college.
Ted married his high school sweetheart, Jane McDermott, on November 4, 1978. They enjoyed raising their two sons and watching them in many activities. Ted was able to coach both boys in local baseball and basketball. In later years, Ted became the assistant basketball coach when Sean was coach at the Culinary Institute of America and Kevin was coach at Cape Cod Regional Technical High School. Ted and Jane also enjoyed traveling in the U.S. and abroad, where Ted again played the role of tour guide.
Ted was proud to serve in the Army National Guard during the Gulf War. He was a member of the local American Legion and The Knights of Columbus, Mt. Everett Council 513.
The most special role for Ted was that of Papa to grandson Aiden. From a young age, Aiden and Papa took walks enjoying time together and creating special memories, including learning how to make homemade pizza.
Ted is survived by his wife, Jane, and his son, Kevin and wife Megan, and their son, Aiden. He also leaves his brother, Joseph and wife Cynthia; his aunt, Elizabeth Kirby; his uncles, Robert and Tom Kirby (Marian); and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ted was predeceased by his parents; his son, Sean (2022); and his daughter, Megan, who died at birth.
The family would like to recognize two wonderful organizations on Cape Cod: the Cape Cod VNA/Hospice McCarthy Care Center, where Ted and Jane received tremendous kindness and comfort during the final days, and The Family Table Collaborative, an organization that provides meals for the underserved, where Ted and Jane volunteered in the kitchen prepping meals. Donations to either organization may be sent to Devanny-Condron Funeral Home, 40 Maplewood Avenue, Pittsfield, MA 01201, or to a local charity.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 30, at St. Joseph’s Church, 414 North Street, Pittsfield, MA, beginning at 9:15 a.m., with a Liturgy of Christian Burial to begin at 10 a.m. led by Monsignor Michael Shershanovich and concelebrated with Father John Sheaffer. The burial will be private.
