Gorham - Edwin J. Laverty, 89, passed away Friday October 14, 2016. He was born on April 11, 1927, his mother's 25th birthday, to Carleton and Doris(Laffin) Laverty. Ed liked to say that his mother often told him, that except for her first electric refrigerator, he was her best birthday present. Ed spent his younger years growing up in Westbrook, but following the death of his father in 1936, his family moved to Gorham. His mother later remarried his beloved stepfather Ovide St. Pierre. Following graduation from Gorham High School in 1944 he served in the US Navy. On returning home he worked briefly for Phinney Lumber Company before attending and graduating from Colby College. In 1953 Ed married Justine Murch and they shared 60 years of marriage. Together they raised three children. Ed was employed by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company for 35 years, beginning his career in New York City but returning to Maine when the first transfer became available. He was actively involved in several community activities in Gorham. A strong Christian, he gladly devoted many hours to the School Street/Cressey Road United Methodist Church. Ed enjoyed hunting, having breakfast with friends at Mr. Bagel, and talking to and learning about all people. He loved spending time with his family, especially at his cottage on Panther Pond. Besides his parents and stepfather Ed was predeceased by his wife Justine and his two brothers, Carleton and John. He is survived by his children, daughter Judith and husband John Beaupain of Belgrade and their children Brian(KC Immler)of Waterville and Erin of Portland, daughter Karen and husband Scott Phair of Manchester and children Josh(Gina) of Colorado and Jessica of North Carolina and son Matthew of Monson. He will be remembered by his nieces and nephews and a friend Joanne Morton of Westbrook. Ed was blessed to have Nancy Brown of Gorham as a caregiver and friend. His family would like to thank her as well as the Cambridge Staff at the Gorham House and his VNA caregivers. A celebration of his life will be held at the Cressey Road United Methodist Church on Friday October 21 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Ed's memory to Cressey Road UMC PO Box 607 Gorham, Maine