BCAT News

Edward Irick Hastings, a longtime Burlington resident, former BCAT Board member, and dedicated community volunteer, died on Thursday, February 5 at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington after a brief illness. He was 90 years old.

Born in New Hampshire, Ed grew up in Woburn and graduated from Woburn High School in 1953. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1954 to 1957 and continued his military commitment through 1962.

He worked at Arthur D. Little, an international management consulting firm, for more than 50 years, beginning in the stock room after high school and eventually managing several departments, including Purchasing, Printing, and Shipping and Receiving. It was at ADL that he met his wife of nearly 60 years, Joan.

Edward and Joan raised their two sons, John and Douglas, in Burlington. While working full time and raising his family, Hastings attended night classes at Northeastern University, earning his bachelor’s degree. He was known as a quiet and steady presence who made sure his family was always well cared for.

Both Edward and Joan were deeply involved in the Burlington community. He served a lengthy term on the town’s Conservation Committee and many years on the BCAT Board of Directors. Following his retirement, he volunteered countless hours throughout town, including at local elections, with the Burlington Police Department, and with BCAT.

In 2006, Ed was honored with BCAT’s first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his years of service and dedication to the organization.

He also volunteered in several roles at a campground in Lebanon, Maine, owned by his son John and daughter-in-law Mary.

In his later years, Ed enjoyed bowling, watching the Boston Bruins, having breakfast at Jimmy’s Family Restaurant in Burlington, or his regular dinner at Burger King. He also enjoyed feeding the birds and squirrels in his backyard and spending time with his dogs.

Ed was predeceased by his wife, Joan, in 2024, and by his siblings, Cliff and Eleanor.

He is survived by his sons, John Hastings and his wife Mary of Lyman, Maine, and Douglas Hastings of Burlington; his grandchildren, Alex of Woburn and Bailee of Sanford, Maine; his great-granddaughters, Piper and Nora; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, Ed supported a scholarship established in his wife’s name for Burlington High School and Shawsheen Tech student-athletes. Donations may be made via Venmo at @JBH-Scholarship. For more information, email dougahastings@gmail.com.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.sullivanfuneralhome.net.