Edward Faneuil

Edward James Faneuil, born July 2, 1952, loved and cherished by so many family members, friends and colleagues, passed away suddenly of cardiac arrest on Monday, May 17, 2021. Eddie was 68. He was filled with so much life and love that he gave in abundance to all those that knew him. He truly was a legend in so many ways to so many people from all different walks of life.

Eddie was raised in Brookline, MA and attended the Browne and Nichols School as a young boy through high school. He went on to graduate from Trinity College in 1974, and then pursued a passion for law at Suffolk Law School, from which he graduated in 1977. His early career in law began with his great friend and mentor, Richie Egbert. From 1981 to 1991, he was a partner at Samek & Faneuil, a Boston-based general practice law firm with an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions and real estate transactions. In 1991 he joined the Global family of companies where he oversaw the company’s legal and regulatory departments. In addition, he managed the legal aspects of Global Partners’ successful 2005 initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange. For thirty years, he gave his all to Global, the hardest working man many have ever known.

Eric Slifka, President and CEO of Global Partners, said, “Yesterday we lost a legend. Eddie was tough in business but had a compassionate way of turning strangers into friends and family. He was an exceptionally talented attorney who mentored many young lawyers and gave generously of his time. Through his energy and dedication, Eddie helped to build the foundation for Global’s success – we are fortunate to have worked with him.”

Eddie was larger than life, a role model of role models. Though small in stature, his presence was huge. Fiercely loyal, kind and caring, he had a smile and energy that lit up every room he walked into, no matter the time or place. His true passion was people. He loved his family and his friends with such devotion and was filled with unlimited generosity for all.
Eddie loved golf, arguably more for the friendships fostered through the game than the actual game itself. He enjoyed playing at Pine Brook Country Club where he formerly served as club President. And he loved watching his grandson early on in his learning of the game.

And he loved his phone. He was always on his phone, talking business or more often just checking in with friends. But most recently, to watch his grandchildren and interact with them as a doting grandfather. His grandchildren brought him so much joy, and they brought about from him his most tender, child-like side that many never knew.

Eddie leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Helene, his sons Ari and Jesse, his daughter-in-law, Andrea, his two cherished grandchildren, Owen and Ella, his brother Robert and sister Nancy, numerous nieces and nephews, and a large group of friends and colleagues that love him and will miss him dearly.

Following a private graveside service on Thursday, May 20th, memorial observance for family and close friends will be held at Pine Brook Country Club from 11:45 am – 3:00 pm. A celebration of Ed’s life open to all will be held in early June. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 300 5th Ave., Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. 849168, Boston, MA 02284, or St. Francis House, P.O. Box 120499, Boston, MA 02112-0499.

To view a recording of the service please click here.