E. Edwin 'Watson' Du Pont

HOLDEN – E. Edwin “Watson” du Pont, 84, of Holden, died unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, April 7, 2010.

His wife and best friend of 59 years, Geneva A. (Mulloy) du Pont, passed away in 2005. His son, Marc, predeceased him in 1969. He is survived by his daughters, Adrienne du Pont of Holden and Lauren Gardner and her husband David of Hardwick; granddaughters, Marlene Peacock and her husband Michael of Franklin and Brittany Rose LaFlash of Hardwick; a brother, Lawrence du Pont and his wife Emma Lee of Ballston Spa, NY; nephews, Steve “Holmes”, Chris and Jack; and many other beloved nieces and nephews.

While his daughter Lauren worked, “Papa” was Brittany’s special caretaker and friend, from her infancy years until school age. They developed a wonderful relationship which continued throughout Brittany’s childhood. They even formed a club known as the “Arf” Club. Ed was also a very caring father always willing to help his daughters and granddaughters, known as his “Geneviettes”, and other family members in any way he possibly could.

He was born in Gouverneur, New York, a son of the late Elmer Francis and Gertrude Aurilla (Easton) du Pont. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II serving in the Asiatic Pacific and European Theatres (North Atlantic, Caribbean and Pacific) aboard the USS Tomich (DE 242) and the USS Leray Wilson (DE 414). He was a graduate of Siena College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics, minor in English. He served as a feature article writer and general contributor to the college magazine, “The Beverwyck”.

During his early career following graduation, Ed served as Manager of Accounts Receivable and as Assistant to the Comptroller of the former Carter’s Ink Co., Cambridge.

In 1954, he began a long career with the former State Mutual Life Insurance Company in Worcester. His positions over the years progressed through Field Auditor, Senior Field Office Administration, Assistant Planning Director in the Office of Planning and Research on the staff of the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, and, during the later years, Director positions in Human Resources. An early-career major project included all research and writing of a four-volume field administration operations manual series for use in State Mutual’s agencies and brokerage offices throughout the country. During a later phase of his career, he independently designed and installed the company’s first formal job evaluation systems and participated in organizational planning and research projects. For several years, he served as Administrator for the company’s defined contribution benefit plan for employees.

Among his life insurance activities, he had been a member of the North Atlantic Planning Committee of the Life Office Management Association. He had also served as Chairman, Job Evaluation, for the United Fund-Worcester, as well as participating in other public service activities, including the first fund-raising campaign for the building of the Greendale Y.M.C.A. He had been a President of a local U.S. Jaycees-affiliated club later renamed as the Worcester Jaycees. In the early 60’s, Ed served as President of the State Mutual’s Fellowship Club employee organization.

During the later 1960’s, Ed was active as a volunteer, in the Worcester County Music Association which presented the Worcester Music Festival. In addition to management system projects for the Association, he created its Audio-Visual Workshop and Speaker’s Bureau. He personally wrote and produced a multi-screen Festival promotional road show, assisted by a team of local volunteer photographers, cinematographers, projectionists and sound engineers, as well as members of his own family. Intended only as a ten day promotion supporting Festival 107, the show was still being requested by area organizations two years later, renamed “Cinephonique” and expanded to two operating units. During the same period, he created corporate multi-screen presentations for State Mutual which were exhibited to the Board of Directors, home office associates and, in the field, at an annual sales convention for leading general agents and their producers.

In retirement, photography, cinematography and videography were Ed’s favorite recreational interests, integrated with extensive U.S. and international travel. His wife, Geneva, shared these interests and, as a photographer, writer and narrator, participated in all his hobby projects. His footage has been exhibited by domestic and foreign camera clubs, as well as access television including Holden Community Television (Channel 11) which he served as a volunteer certified producer. He also has served as Eastern Vice President, Society of Amateur Videographers and Cinematographers and a member of the Electronic Image Division of the Photographic Society of America. An active member of commercial motion picture production methodology, Ed enjoyed guest set invitations and guest seminar participation in the United States and elsewhere.

A memorial remembrance gathering will be planned for a future date by family members. It was Ed’s wish that any donations be made to the American Lung Association of Mass., 460 Totten Pond Road, Suite 400, Waltham, MA 02451. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden.

Website & Guest book: www.milesfuneralhome.com