Woodstock, Vermont

Edmund "Eddie" Paige died December 18th at the age of 88 after a long illness. His family was able to accommodate his wish to die at home. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Virginia (Zielinski) Paige, his son Eric Paige, his daughter, Darcy (Byron) Wallace, four grandchildren, Meghan (Brett) Redeker, Tess Wallace, Max (Melissa) Wallace, and Shyla Wallace, and a great granddaughter, Blake Redeker. He also leaves behind his nieces and nephews, Lisa (Matt) Coyne, David (Karla) Zielinski, Ethan (Amy) Nemkovich, and Elissa (Bill) Stuhlinger, his sister-in-law, Marie (Dale) Nemkovich, and his cousins, Lynne and Sue Bertram, David Paige, and Mary Jane Fallon, who would check in on him periodically.

A lifelong resident of Woodstock, with the exception of a few years in the U.S. Army, Ed loved his wife, his family, and his home. He also loved cars and car rides, the fire department, and especially skiing and hunting. He loved a good joke, and he loved a bad joke even more.

The son of Eric "Pete" and Loie (Nelson) Paige, Ed was an exceptional athlete and sportsman, particularly gifted in skiing. He graduated from Woodstock High School in 1954, and the school used to give out an annual award in his honor. He went on to serve as a founding member of the Woodstock Ski Patrol at Mount Tom and Suicide Six.

Following in his father's footsteps, he spent 61 years in the Woodstock Fire Department with lifelong friends, including his best friend, Jim Paul. He held a number of roles, including Assistant Fire Chief and had a lifetime appointment to the Vermont State Firefighters Association. He was recognized by the Governor for 60 years of service.

Ed worked for Leonard's Gas and Electric and was certain that he had worked on nearly every home and business in the village and the surrounding towns. He was proud of the fact that he had some of the earliest electrical licenses in both Vermont and New Hampshire. After he retired he would drive around in his '68 convertible and attend car shows. He loved to drive the family around to enjoy the foliage and particularly enjoyed the Kancamagus Highway and the Mohawk Trail. In his later years his son Eric would take him on long car rides. The back roads of Vermont were his favorite.

Ed enjoyed hunting and telling stories! If you happened by his porch you could expect a story, a cold drink if you had time, and maybe even get to see "his deer." If you were lucky you got all three. He particularly enjoyed catching up with friends and classmates during the Alumni Parade.

His family would like to thank VNH Hospice for their help in Ed's final days, and his friend and physician, Hugh Hermann, for making one last house call.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Woodstock Fireman's Relief Fund or VNH Hospice.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday April 26, 2025 at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church in Woodstock beginning at 11:00am, burial will follow in the Riverside Cemetery. Friends may call on the family Friday April 25, 2025 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at the Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock.