Edwin E. Stein, Jr. died gently at home in his sleep on July 19, 2024, with his long-time care giver Josh Browne at his side. Ed was the much-loved son of Edwin and Catherine Stein and brother of Mary Susan Leahy and Kathleen, Margaret and Ellie Stein. He was born on New Year’s Eve 1956 in Lexington KY. His family lived all over the country from Kentucky to New Mexico, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Hampshire—hence was born Ed’s love of travel. He led a rich and happy life, surrounded by a wide circle of friends and family who adored him and appreciated his many interests, quick wit and his big, loving character.

Ed lived gracefully with autism, of which he said, “autism is a different way of seeing the world” and he had a beautiful mind. He shared home with Josh and his wife Tessa and their children Ella, Isley, Ike and Annie; and with pets Me Too and Ozzie. Ed’s trust was well placed in Josh, whose extraordinary care, creative insight in understanding Ed, and abiding love were prized by Ed and his family for 25 years. He had fond memories of his old girlfriends Deena and Sandy. Ed enjoyed walking around town, calling the friendly staff at the Concord Public Library, swimming in the neighborhood pool in the summer, and going out for coffee and smoothies.

Ed lived in group homes in Pennsylvania and Connecticut for many years and counted numerous staff and fellow residents as lifelong friends. He moved to NH in 1999 and was cared for by the kind staff of Community Bridges, Community Choices and Community Partners, including special people like Paul, Karen, April, Melissa, Rich, Carolyn, Mary, Barbara, Kerry, Grace, Pam, Bill, PT, Mohan, Indu, and Keith. Ed loved his job at the Concord Monitor, where he ran the ad insert machine until he retired in 2021. He enjoyed his work there, his colleagues, and making money. Ed attended summer Camp Allen in Bedford for two decades and his family gives a shout out to the staff who make it such a joyful place for people of all abilities.

There’s not enough room to list all Ed’s interests and passions, but steam trains, travel, photography, musicals, stamps, writing and getting letters and postcards, and geography were some favorites. He enjoyed talking with people about shared interests and their families. Ed had a terrific memory and was skilled at playing word games on his computer and making up rhymes. One of his recent quips was “let’s hit the road, toad!” His creativity showed in his photographs and making up jokes. Always ready for a celebration, Ed loved parties, laughter, food, sodas, holidays, family gatherings and merriment. He hand drew birthday cards, always with three flowers, a smiley face, and the greeting “Be Happy, Love Eddie.” He relished spending time with his sisters in their homes, making outings to ride steam trains, taking four cross-country trips, and enjoying annual winter vacations in Arizona. He loved being Uncle Eddie to his nieces and nephews and was especially treasured by his cousin Norma.

Ed was a man of strong character: kind, honest, forgiving, generous, and with a righteous sense of principle. He lived a robust life and made the most of his 67 years, adding love and laughter to the lives of many people. Recently Ed said “I am a very happy man because I have a wonderful life.”