Edward Hawkins Jr.

Edward Hawkins Jr., 90, passed away on December 16, 2020 at Care One at Redstone in East Longmeadow.  Born in Torrington, CT, he was the son of Edward Hawkins Sr. and Helen (Cicero) Hawkins.  Edward grew up in the North End of Springfield, graduated in 1948 from Classical High School and secured a music scholarship to Hartt College of Music at the University of Hartford. Trombone was his instrument of choice and jazz was his first love.  He played with local jazz groups and later spent 20 years in New York City traveling and playing with larger black jazz musicians of the day and performing as "the young kid on the block".  Following 20 years of traveling the jazz circuit, he decided to further his education earning a master's degree from NYU. He returned to the area as a substance abuse clinician working at Ethos II in Springfield as well as similar facilities in Connecticut. He retired from St. Mary's Hospital in Waterbury,CT. Ed was preceded in death by his parents and a son Neil E. Hawkins.  He is survived by his two daughters Denise Wilson of Somers, CT and Amber Allshouse of Saco, Maine; 6 grandchildren, Katara Slater (and Duane) , Rochelle Bascom , Aaron Wilson, Damon Wilson, Tanika Hawkins and Neil Hawkins Jr. ; 10 great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren.  

He was a quiet, reflective, unassuming man who dressed well each and every day.  His collection of ties filled a closet alone.   He loved all sports especially prize fighting, football and basketball; was a prolific reader of  all history and politics but preferred the quietude of listening to "the jazz greats" . 

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. The Hawkins family thanks CareOne at Redstone for their tender care. At this time a service will not be held but a celebration of life will be held in the future during safer times.

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