BEDFORD – Louis Edward (“Ed”) Dugan, 88, formerly of Merrimack, died November 18th at Ridgewood Center after a period of declining health.

He was born February 7, 1924, in Battle Creek, MI, the son of the late Dr. William M. Dugan and Lucy (Bourgeois) Dugan. He graduated from The University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN with a B.S. in Commerce. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, and was an Eagle Scout.

Mr. Dugan was employed in sales and marketing throughout his life. At the height of his career, he worked for Formica Corporation, a division of American Cyanamid, and was a recipient of the Golden Oval award, the company’s most prestigious award for exceptional salesmanship. Prior to his retirement, he was Operations Manager for Nova Tran Corporation, a subsidiary of Union Carbide Corporation, in Amherst, NH.

He was a communicant of Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Merrimack for over 30 years where he served as a lector and was active in the parish council. Upon moving to Bedford 7 years ago, he joined St. Elizabeth Seton parish.

Family members include his loving wife of 62 years, Barbara (Hintz) Dugan of Bedford; two sons, Patrick Dugan of Rhinelander, Wisconsin (and his wife, Dr. Sue Hausserman-Dugan,) and William Dugan of Faribault, Minnesota (and his partner, Linda Dodson); five daughters, Kathryn Kelley of Belchertown, Massachusetts (and her husband Dr. David Kelley); Mary Beth King of St. Cloud, Minnesota (and her husband, Pete King); Caroline Dugan-Gerlach of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Jeanne Wilson of Brookline, NH (and her husband, Steven Wilson); and Teresa Dainesi of Bedford, NH (and her husband, Dr. Stephen Dainesi); 13 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Reverend William Dugan of Chula Vista, California, and Robert Dugan of Battle Creek Michigan; one sister, Mary Margaret Galloup of Naples, FL; and many nieces and nephews.

Like any good Irishman before him, he had the gift of gab. He enjoyed meeting people and conversing with anyone who crossed his path, whether stranger or old friend. His greatest joys included spending time with his family, paying compliments to others in an attempt to brighten their day, and resurrecting many a well-worn joke for the reward of a quick laugh. He never missed the opportunity to tell his family he loved them on a daily basis. But perhaps his greatest joy was the love he felt for his beloved bride, Barbara, his cherished companion for over 62 years. He was a tenderhearted and loving soul who made a great impression on all who knew him. He will be forever missed.

Calling Hours are the Phaneuf Funeral Home, 250 Coolidge Ave, Manchester on Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 12:00PM (Noon) at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 190 Meetinghouse Rd, Bedford. Burial will be a St. Joseph Cemetery, Bedford at the convenience of the family. The Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium is in charge of arrangements. For more information or to view an on-line guestbook and memorial, please go to www.phaneuf.net