Edward William Hemphill Jr., 89, of Agawam, Massachusetts, passed away on Thursday, December 7, 2006. He was born October 16, 1917 in Brooklyn, New York, the son of the late Edward William Sr. and Minna Christine (Heweker) Hemphill. Edward was educated in the New York City school system and attended Pace University before enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corp, serving in World War II in the European Theater. He met and married Winifred Coyle in England where both were stationed on active duty, he with the U.S. Army Air Corp and she with a British unit providing ground support to the Air Force. Upon their discharge from active service, Mr. and Mrs. Hemphill moved to Dorset, VT, began their family, and in 1957 relocated to Enfield, CT. Edward worked at J. K. Adams, South Dorset, VT, Pratt and Whitney Aircraft, East Hartford, CT and Colt Industries, Hartford, CT. He retired from Colt as a final inspector in 1982. He is survived by his four daughters Christine (Mrs. Stephen B.) Harrington of Troy, NY, Lesley (Mrs. Daniel F. Jr.) Granahan of Enfield CT, Elizabeth (Mrs.James L. Jr.) Chiapponi of Enfield, CT and Allyson (Mrs. Timothy J.) Vecchiarelli of Somers, CT, his nine grandchildren, Colleen, Sarah, Timothy, Kate, Charles, Christopher, Jennifer-Marie, Charlotte and Nicholas and his four great-grandchildren Hayley, Dylan, Emma and Olivia, who were the lights of his life. Edward was predeceased in 1985 by his wife of forty years and the mother of his daughters Winifred (Coyle) Hemphill of Paisley, Scotland, UK and his second wife of fifteen years in 2001, Beverly (O'Lari) Hemphill of Orange, MA. A heartfelt thanks goes out to Mr. James L. Chiapponi Sr., who with his canine companion Murphy, was a weekly visitor to Edward. The family would also like to extend their thanks and gratitude to Edward's caregivers and friends at Heritage Woods and Heritage Hall East, Agawam MA. Funeral services will be private, with burial in Somers West Cemetery, Somers, CT at the convenience of the family. Browne Memorial Funeral Chapels 43 Shaker Rd, Enfield is handling arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to The New England Air Museum 36 Perimeter Rd. Bradley Int'l Airport Windsor Locks, CT 06096. Online guestbook & directions may be viewed at www.brownefuneralchapels.com