Edward J. Taber, Sr

Middletown, RI - Edward J. Taber, Sr., 89, of 6 Ruth Street, Middletown, RI, formerly of Kissimee, FL, died unexpectedly Saturday, August 2, 2008 at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, RI. He was the husband of the late Virginia D. Schaefer Taber. Born in Newport, RI on April 29, 1919, he was the son of the late George A. and Marguerite McGowan Taber.Mr. Taber served in Guam as a Navy Seabee during WWII. He went on to own and operate Metropolitan Cleaners. He had also worked for R. Regan Construction as a crane operator and worked as an equipment operator at the public works department for the Newport Naval Base. He was a member of the Newport and Kissimee Lodges of Elks as well as a member of the Town Howlers Square Dancing Club in Portsmouth. Mr. Taber was also an avid NASCAR Racing Fan and racing enthusiast. He is survived by his stepmother, Catherine Taber of Newport, his daughters, Joan Walker of Newport and Florida and Judith Berdy of Middletown, a son, Edward Taber, Jr. of Omaha, NE, a brother, Dennis Taber of Newport and two sisters, Pauline Edens of Mesa, AZ, and Ann Crosby of Nicelyville, FL. He was the grandfather of Jayne Reffelt, Deborah Younce, Susan Von Villas, Julie Whiteacer, Edward Taber, Jamie Berdy and Jennifer Berdy Naccari, as well as, twelve great-grandchildren.He was the brother of the late Marion Jacobson and George Taber. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, August 9, 2008 at 10 am in St. Lucy Church, 909 West Main Road, Middletown.Calling hours are respectfully omitted. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 931 Jefferson Blvd, Suite 3004, Warwick, RI 02886.