Edward J. Waters, 85, passed away at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home on Wednesday, February 10, 2010, with his loving family at his side. He was the son of the late Joseph E. and Alice (Fish) Waters.

    Edward's beloved wife of 60 years, Marion D. (Neiss) Waters died in 2006. He is survived by his children, Susan A. Albani and her husband Richard of Auburn, Sheila B. Muscott of Fairfield, CT, Sharon P. Waters of Worcester, with whom he made his home, Robin L. McPartland and her husband John of Worcester, Brian J. Waters and his wife Diane of Auburn; and his daughter in law, Joan Gautreau-Waters. He also leaves several grandchildren, including Scott Albani, Megan (Albani) Keller and her husband Paul, Ryan McPartland, Jessica (Waters) Rubinow and her husband Eric, Kasey Waters and Woody Waters. His pride and joy was his baby great-granddaughter Julia Rubinow. He was also predeceased by his son Edward B. Waters, and his grandson, Sean E. McPartland.

    Edward was a life-long resident of Worcester. During World War II, he served with the military police in the Army Air Corps in England during the Normandy invasion. After the war, he worked briefly at the former Rockwood Sprinkler Company as a machinist until he was appointed to the Worcester Police Department (WPD) in 1948. In 1953, he was assigned to the WPD Detective Bureau Fraud Squad, where he was a key player in the fight to control bad check passing in the city. In 1974, he was one of the original founders of the Worcester County Fraudulent Check Association that was created to provide a better system of "prevention through communication" between law enforcement and the community to cut down losses on white collar crime.

    In 1980, Edward was one of five police officers in the state to receive the "Police Officers Award" from the Massachusetts Bankers Association for his "outstanding work in the area of bank crime investigation". Upon his retirement in 1983, Edward was recognized for his 34 years of civil service. He was honored by the community and his peers for his contribution to fighting fraud and received the key to the city from former mayor Sarah Robertson. After WPD, he went on to serve for several years as the Chief Deputy Sheriff-Civil Division under former Worcester County Sheriff Ted Herman.

    Edward was a patriots and Red Sox fan, and was passionate about golf and casinos. But most important, he spent his life proud of his service to his country and his community. Edward loved and cherished his family, who will miss him all the rest of the days of their lives.

    Funeral Services will be held at 10 AM on Monday, February 15th, at the Caswell King Funeral Home, 474 Grove Street, Worcester, MA. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. Calling hours at the funeral home are on Sunday, February 14th, from 5-7 PM.

    The family is deeply grateful to the Visiting Nurses Hospice staff who provided such loving care to Edward in his final days. In lieu of flowers, donations in Edward's name may be made to the VNA Care Network and Hospice, 120 Thomas Street, Worcester, MA 01608, or to the American Cancer Society , 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.