Edward Warren Locke

Edward (Ed) Locke, 77, of Braintree, master craftsman and keen observer of the world around him, passed away from complications of Oligodendroglioma (brain tumor) on Friday, April 10, 2026. 

Over the course of four decades, Ed established and built a successful business as a building contractor, taking on projects throughout the Boston area—from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to room additions and historical home preservation. Customers, who often became friends, admired him for his expertise and refined manners. 

“He was not your average builder,” according to Tina Mulligan, who hired Ed for a range of projects over the years. “He loved a challenge. If there was something tricky to figure out, always upbeat, he'd figure it out,” she said. “The amazing thing about Ed was that we never had to hire an architect because he was so good at design. That he loved what he did was evident in his work. We feel so lucky to have found him.”

Ed’s son Bennett (Ben), who worked alongside his father for eight years, believes working with his father taught him not only the skills of carpentry and construction, but the essential value of treating others with kindness and respect. 

Friend and customer David Vaughn will never forget Ed’s “calm and good-humored professionalism.” After discovering their new home was unlivable—infested with mold and rot on a section of the second floor—Ed dropped everything to restore their home to pristine condition. “He was a ray of bright sunshine in the midst of a terrible storm. Our love, respect, and gratitude for the grace he showed us in those days will never diminish.” 

Born in Concord, Massachusetts, Ed was the second of four children to parents Henry and Margaret (Howell) Locke. He spent his childhood in Cazenovia, New York, and attended Middlesex School in Concord, Massachusetts. He later earned a BA from the Harvard Extension School and an MS in Healthcare Policy and Management from Brandeis University. In the 1970s, Ed served in the United States Navy, where he worked as a SONAR submarine detection electronics mechanic in Agentia, Newfoundland, and Hamilton, Bermuda.

Ed will be remembered by all who knew him for his inquiring mind and broad range of interests. He was as comfortable engaging in conversations around mid-19th century whaling practices as he was around contemporary economic policy. His passions ranged from photography and fishing to miniature ship building and woodcarving. A licensed pilot in his younger years, Ed loved exploring the New England coastal region. And he was always ready for a lively debate about current events and politics.

Above all, Ed will be remembered for his positive outlook on life and wonderful sense of humor—always seeing the best in others and looking toward the future. As his health deteriorated during the last several years, he and his wife, Martha Foley, continued to take local trips, visiting the Cape to Maine and the Berkshires.

In addition to his wife, Martha, with whom he shared a long and happy marriage, and son, Ben, he is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth (Lizz) Locke. He is also survived by his sister Priscilla Locke, brothers-in-law James Foley (Sally Pyle) and Chuck Foley (Beverly), and nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his siblings Charles Locke and Sarah Scholl. 

A celebration of life and scattering of ashes at sea, will be held in early summer.  To those who are moved to honor Ed’s life and generous spirit, the family invites donations to be made to Doctors Without Borders. 

give.doctorswithoutborders.org