Edward M. Iacovelli passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026 at the age of 79 at Milford Hospital after a courageous battle with Myelofibrosis and other related medical conditions following his stem cell transplant. He was a devoted husband for 53 years, a loving father and proud grandfather.
Ed was born and raised in Milford and resided with his family in Hopedale. He was a 1964 graduate of Milford High School. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Boston University and his Master’s Degree at Worcester State University. He taught 7th and 8th grade Reading and Language Arts for 35 years at the Milford Middle School. After retirement, he continued his love for education and became a certified Wilson Reading Program instructor, tutoring students with dyslexia and other reading disabilities. A 10-year position he was very proud of. He spent his whole career guiding and encouraging his students to succeed.
Back in the day Ed also became a projectionist for Hoyts Theaters (now Regal) and the Mendon Drive-In. He would load large 35 mm reels on to projectors, threading and cutting film. This was a win for his kids as they got to see many free movies.
Ed was a family man, in the early years he attended all of his daughter’s dance recitals and even signed up to be a softball coach. He later became a proud grandfather, watching his 3 grandsons grow up and spent as much time with them as he could. He loved to go on fun day trips with them and was an avid beach goer, a time for him to build large sandcastles with his grandkids or just relax in the sand with a coffee in his hand.
Halloween was Ed’s absolute favorite holiday. Besides carving elaborate pumpkins, his all-time favorite, was seeking out the best haunted house in the area. He even helped run “The House” a haunted house put on by the Masonic Lodge for many years.
In the later years Ed enjoyed painting with watercolors and pen/ink. He created several beautiful art pieces of beach scenes, landscapes, trees and other works of art. His paintings were showcased at the Milford Public Library art show two years in a row. It was a relaxing hobby for him even though he was color blind and needed help distinguishing colors.
Freemasonry was a very big part of his life. He loved learning about the history, and was exceptional at memorizing and performing rituals with his Masonic brothers. He enjoyed traveling to different Masonic lodges, meeting new people and mentoring new members. It was a brotherhood that he kept so close to his heart. He is well known to the Masonic community as Right Worshipful Edward M. Iacovelli. He was first raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason at Montgomery Lodge in 1994. Over the years, he received numerous levels of degrees within Freemasonry. He became Master of Montgomery Lodge in Milford, and the District Deputy Grand Master for the 15th South Masonic District. He held the top office in all 3 York Rite Masonic Bodies:
- Excellent High Priest – Milford Chapter
- Illustrious Master – Milford Council
- Eminent Commander – Milford Commandry
Ed was also the District Deputy High Priest in the Milford Chapter. He received the Blake Baily Distinguished Service Award and was invited to join the Knights of the York Cross of Honour. Ed was one of the few Masons that have been the head of all 4 Masonic bodies.
Ed was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Philomena (Tartaglia) Iacovelli. Ed is survived by his wife, Jean (Landry) Iacovelli of Hopedale, and his two children Lauren Iacovelli of Hopedale and Jennifer Iacovelli of Brunswick, Maine. Ed leaves behind his three grandchildren: Zack Iacovelli, and Gavin and Braeden Barbour. He is also survived by his brother Anthony Donald Iacovelli and his wife Janet of Milford and is predeceased by his brother David Iacovelli of Milford. He leaves several nieces and nephews, other family members, close friends, colleagues and Masonic brothers that will miss him dearly.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday January 11, 2026 from 4PM-7PM at The Consigli-Ruggerio Funeral Home, 46 Water St. Milford, MA 01757. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 10AM at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 5 East Main St., Milford, MA 01757. Burial will follow at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Cemetery, 110 Medway Rd., Milford, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Edwards’s name to the Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center at UMASS Memorial Health at Milford, 20 Prospect St, Milford, MA 01757.