1946 - 2025
Ed was born and raised in Milford and resided with his family in Hopedale. He was a 1964 graduate of Milford High School. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Boston University and his Master’s Degree at Worcester State University. Ed dedicated 35 years teaching 7th and 8th grade Reading and Language Arts at the Milford Middle School, where he spent his career guiding and encouraging his students to succeed.
After retirement, Ed continued his passion for education and became a certified Wilson Reading Program instructor, tutoring students with dyslexia and other reading disabilities, a role he held for 10 years and was very proud of.
Earlier in life, Ed also worked as a projectionist for Hoyts Theaters (now Regal) and the Mendon Drive-In, loading and threading large 35mm film reels. This perk allowed his children to enjoy many free movie nights, a memory they cherished.
Ed was truly a family man. In his early years, he attended all of his daughter’s dance recitals and even volunteered as a softball coach. Later, he became a proud grandfather, spending as much time as possible with his three grandsons, enjoying beach days, fun outings, building sandcastles, and relaxing in the sun with a coffee in hand.
Halloween was Ed’s absolute favorite holiday. He loved carving elaborate pumpkins and searching for the best haunted houses in the area. For many years, he even helped run “The House,” a haunted house put on by the Masonic Lodge.
In later years, Ed discovered a love for art, enjoying watercolor and pen-and-ink painting. He created beautiful pieces of beach scenes, landscapes, and trees, which were showcased at the Milford Public Library art show two years in a row. Painting became a relaxing outlet for him, even though he was color-blind and needed help distinguishing colors.
Freemasonry was a very big part of his life. Known throughout the Masonic community as Right Worshipful Edward M. Iacovelli, Ed was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason at Montgomery Lodge in 1994. He later served as Master of Montgomery Lodge in Milford and District Deputy Grand Master for the 15th South Masonic District.
Ed held the top office in all three York Rite Masonic bodies, including:
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Excellent High Priest – Milford Chapter
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Illustrious Master – Milford Council
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Eminent Commander – Milford Commandry
He also served as District Deputy High Priest in the Milford Chapter, received the Blake Baily Distinguished Service Award, and was invited to join the Knights of the York Cross of Honour. Ed was one of the few Masons to have served as head of all four Masonic bodies, a distinction of which he was deeply honored.
Ed was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Philomena (Tartaglia) Iacovelli, and his brother David Iacovelli of Milford. He is survived by his wife, Jean (Landry) Iacovelli of Hopedale, his children Lauren Iacovelli of Hopedale and Jennifer Iacovelli of Brunswick, Maine, and his beloved grandchildren Zack Iacovelli, Gavin Barbour, and Braeden Barbour. He is also survived by his brother Anthony Donald Iacovelli and his wife Janet of Milford, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, close friends, colleagues, and Masonic brothers who will miss him dearly.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026 from 4:00–7:00 PM at the Consigli-Ruggerio Funeral Home, 46 Water Street, Milford, MA.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 5 East Main Street, Milford. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Cemetery, 110 Medway Road, Milford.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Edward’s name to the Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center at UMass Memorial Health at Milford, 20 Prospect Street, Milford, MA 01757.
