Salem...

Edward J. Coots of Salem MA., died peacefully on Mar 6, 2012 at his home, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was the beloved husband for 47 years of the late Maureen Coots (Williams).

He was born in St Pancras, London, UK, the son of the late Henry and Amelia Coots. Having survived London's WW2 bombing he started out as an apprentice at the Post Office research lab in Dollis Hill while working on earning a bachelor's degree in Engineering which he obtained from University of London in 1955. Upon completion of his formal education, he served his national service with the Royal Air Force in Germany as a pilot officer. A few years later, on assignment from the Post Office research lab, he moved to Paris, France to work as a telecommunications engineer with NATO. This role eventually took him to Belgium where he raised his family and lived for over 30 years.

In 1998, Ted and his wife Maureen retired to the US and spent the majority of their time traveling, cooking and enjoying spending time with their family & friends. He was also an avid reader and enjoyed jazz music. Earlier he had enjoyed sports such as golf, cycling, skiing, squash, sailing & climbing.

He is survived by two daughters: Elisabeth Aitchison and husband Peter of Brussels, Belgium and Caroline Mishra and husband Sar of Allston, MA, one son: Christopher Coots of Seattle, WA; his brother: Harry Coots, wife Connie and niece Debra of Romford, England and three granddaughers: Louise, Chloe & Charlotte Aitchison.

A funeral will be held on Saturday, March 17 at 12:00 pm in the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St. (Cor. of North St.), Salem, MA 01970. For further information please call 978-744-0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com