Edward James Ravelson

Edward James Ravelson, “Ed”, 75, of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts passed away peacefully in his home on February 2nd, 2025 after his courageous battle with chronic kidney disease.

Ed was born in Charleston, West Virginia to Arthur and Bessye Bedrick Ravelson. He grew up in Worcester, MA, graduating from Doherty High School, then attending several years at Bentley College. In 1971 Ed’s passion for fashion and his entrepreneurial spirit led Ed, along with his brother Scott to found one of the Boston region’s pioneering recycled clothing stores, The Pennsylvania Company/PA Company. The business grew over the next 40 years into a 6-store regional chain of fashion-forward boutiques located in Harvard Square, Boston and on Cape Cod. Ed had a sixth sense for fashion, and saw trends before most, leading him to be the first in the region to feature many iconic brands. He closed his last store in Provincetown, MA in 2018 to enjoy his retirement.

Ed had an appreciation for all professional sports, but especially baseball. Despite living in Massachusetts, he always remained a diehard NY Yankees fan. Ed valued physical wellness as seen in his exercise regiment, including daily gym workouts and outdoor activities such as biking and kayaking.

Ed was deeply loved and respected for his warmth, subtle humor and integrity by all who knew him. Ed always put family and friends first. He was a kind, loyal, loving, sentimental, giving, and gentle man. His laughter was unmistakable and would light up a room. Ed was the ultimate gentleman warrior.

Ed met the love of his life, Patti and they were married for 23 years. They were truly inseparable, enjoying a life filled with friends, family, and travel. Ed and Patti especially loved hosting family and friends at their homes in Chestnut Hill and Provincetown.

Ed is survived by his wife Patti Kinzer, his beloved and cherished daughter Jennie, her husband Gregg McGuire and their daughter Savannah (whom he especially adored and who helped brighten his final years), his first wife Theo, with whom he remained dear friends, and her husband Michael Belsky.  He is also survived by his devoted brother Scott Ravelson, his loving sister-in-law Elaine Ravelson, nephews Cory and Ben Ravelson whom he treated like sons, Ben’s wife Sarah and their daughter Audrey. Ed also leaves his many cousins, family members and lifelong friends, too many to mention here.

Ed was truly an inspiration on how to live a good, well-purposed life. He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten, and his spirit will live on through all the lives he touched with his kindness, care, sense of humor, and love.

There will be a Celebration of Ed’s life. Please reach out to the family for details.

Donations in Ed’s honor can be made to help serve, solve and care for the blind by donating to an institution Ed cared about, Perkins School For the Blind: https://www.perkins.org/tribute

If people prefer to donate via check ,send your donation to the address below.

Perkins School for the Blind

Attn: Development Department

175 N. Beacon Street

Watertown, MA 02472

Please note that the donation is in memory of Edward Ravelson