Edmund E. Greenwood

WINCHENDON – Edmund E. “Thumper” Greenwood, 49, of 55 Woodlawn Street, died tragically Thursday evening, January 28, 2021 in Heywood Hospital, Gardner.

He was born in Gardner on January 9, 1972, son of the late Raymond F. and Carol E. (Tatro) Greenwood and grew up in Winchendon.  While growing up Thumper was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, where he was baptized and received his First Communion.

Thumper graduated from Murdock High School, where he developed many lifelong friendships, and was a star athlete of the Murdock Blue Devils football and baseball teams. Thumper bled blue in his number 57 jersey. Sports continued to be a passion of his throughout his life, he was an avid fan of all New England sports teams, and looked forward to the NFL Draft weekend yearly. He also had a great love of reading, as well as writing, and enjoyed discussing stories and novels with others.

Thumper worked in construction for many years, before moving to Charleston SC, where he lived for almost 20 years. While there he worked for Charleston Steel Company and was Maintenance Director for Enlivant Assisted Living in James Island. In 2013 Ed, as he was known in Charleston, bravely joined the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous and began his journey in recovery. He surrendered to the best of his ability, worked the steps and was rewarded with promises of the program. During his time in AA he developed many special friendships that he carried in his heart for the rest of his days.

In early 2020 Thumper returned to his hometown of Winchendon to be with family, and enjoyed reconnecting with his many childhood friends. For all who knew him, whether as Thumper or Ed, knew he was truly one of kind. His personality, his smile and his hugs where bigger than life. His laugh was infectious, and his heart was so kind. No matter what demons he was fighting internally he always led with a smile, a joke and would light up every room in a way that no one else could. In the end those internal struggles that he fought so fiercely, tragically took his life, and the world lost that beautiful light.

He leaves two sisters, Patricia A. Sawyer of Winchendon and her husband, the late Wayne A. Sawyer and Rae-Lynn C. Kinzie and her husband Dylan of Winchendon; a nephew Wayne Sawyer Jr of Hubbardston; a niece Emily Scott, and her husband Peter Scott of Erving and their children, his beloved great nephew and niece Abrahm Edmund and Gwendolyn Rae.

His family would like to thank their friends for the tremendous outpouring of unconditional love and support that they have received during this difficult time, through all of you his memory will live on.

Calling hours will be held Friday, February 5, 2021 from 4 to 7 P.M. in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon. To view Thumper's services click on https://webcasts.lifetributes.com/1119075 .

Masks and social distancing are required.

Funeral services will be private.

Memorial donations may be made to Community Health Connections Inc Gardner Community Health Center, 175 Connors Street, Gardner, MA. 01440.

www.stone-ladeau.com