OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Edward “Eddie” J. Hersom Sr., 73, passed away on July 6, 2014 in Biddeford.

He was born on June 10, 1941, a son of the late Willis and Elizabeth (Madden) Hersom.

After graduating from Old Orchard Beach High School in 1961, Eddie went on to proudly serve in the U.S. Army. During his enlistment, Eddie served in Vietnam with the 25th Infantry as a “tunnel rat.” He was awarded a Bronze Star with a “V” Device for his role in destroying several enemy tunnel complexes while in the face of poisonous snakes, insects and close-quarter combat.

After being honorably discharged, he worked as a cook at Snow’s New England Canning plant in Scarborough.

He will always be remembered for the enjoyment he had hunting with his brother, James, photography, being an amateur Old Orchard Beach historian and volunteering ”“ especially at The Pines in Ocean Park. Eddie enjoyed music, going to Portland Headlight, Two Lights and Sebago Lake State Park.

He was preceded in death by: three sisters; and two brothers, David and Richard Hersom.

Eddie is survived by: his children, Frederick H. Hersom of Florida and Edward Hersom III and his wife Annie of Maryland; brother, James Hersom and his fiancée Catherine Marston of Brunswick; sister, Alice “Bootie” Jenkins of Old Orchard Beach; grandson, Edward Hersom III; and many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, July 9 from 4-8 p.m. at the Old Orchard Beach Funeral Home, 36 Portland Ave., Old Orchard Beach. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home Thursday at 10 a.m., followed by burial at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco. In lieu of flowers, Eddie’s family suggests that memorial contributions be made to a charity of one’s choice.