Edward Carroll Powers

Edward C. Powers, 96, a retired professor in Charleston, South Carolina, died on June 21, 2025. He was born in Worcester, Massachusetts. Ed was the son of the late Mary W. and Patrick T. Powers. He was a graduate of Worcester Classical High School and the College of the Holy Cross. He also earned a Master of Arts degree from Boston College, a Ph.D. from Tufts University, and a Master of Library Science from the University of New York in Albany.

His long career as an educator began in Massachusetts in 1955, as an English instructor at Assumption Preparatory School. While there, he taught at all levels and directed many of the school's speech and drama activities.

In 1959, Ed married Marie E. D'Aigle, a gifted young woman he'd met when they were both students at Boston College. From then on, he and Marie were a team working together to make a home and raise a family, which over time included five children.

In 1968, as an assistant professor, he joined the English Department faculty of Westfield State College (now University) in Massachusetts. At Westfield State, he taught a wide variety of courses both undergraduate and graduate, achieved the rank of professor, served twice as elected department chairman, and as interim dean of graduate studies. He retired from Westfield State in 1988, and in 1989, he and Marie moved to South Carolina.

In 1990, Ed began teaching again as an adjunct English instructor at Trident Technical College, an assignment he found rewarding enough to continue until 1998.

Always as much a student as he was a teacher, during his years in South Carolina, he also took many courses, mostly in ancient languages and history but others too, always for credit, as auditing, he insisted, was no challenge.

His recreations were reading, writing, and working all kinds of puzzles, most of which he solved. He and Marie were also dedicated concert and theater goers, traveling wherever they knew a good one of either could be found.

His family remembers him as a man of faith, a loving father deeply devoted to Marie and their children, a proud grandfather and great grandfather, a man with a keen mind, a quick wit, and a generous heart.

He was a communicant of St. Joseph Catholic Church, a member of the Cardinal Newman Society, the National Association of Scholars, and a longtime volunteer in the Luce Memorial Library at Mepkin Abbey.

Ed is survived by two daughters, Monica L. Powers and Karen E. Lewis; sons David A. (Lisa) and Stephen P. Powers; and grandchildren Caitlin, Christopher, Erika, Hannah, Jamie, Jeffrey Jr., Keith, Melissa, Nicholas, Sarah, and Schuyler; and great-grandchildren Addison, Ava, Charlie, Chloe, Juliana, Maelin, Max, Melanie, and Raya.

Ed was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Marie, beloved daughter Therese M. (Powers) Bull, and brother Barry F. Powers.

Ed's family recalls with deep gratitude the compassionate care and support of Martha Mack and Darlene Epps, and the reliable service of Pauline Cooper. The family wants to also recognize Ed’s caregivers throughout the years. Their skill, companionship, support, and affection were vital as they enriched Ed’s life and offered a welcome outlet for storytelling and learning for all.

Flowers will be gratefully received or contributions in Ed's memory to Mepkin Abbey or to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., West Ashley Chapel, with a Rosary Service starting at 6:30 pm. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, July 17, 2025 in the St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1695 Raoul Wallenberg Blvd., at 11:00 am. Prayers of Final Commendation and Farewell will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.

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