May 3, 2022
It is with great sadness that the family of Doctor Edward J. Schreier of Hingham, Massachusetts confirms his death in the early morning of April 6, 2022, at the age of 79. Ed died peacefully, though unexpectedly in his sleep, a parting gift to the man whose boundless energy gave so much to so many.
Ed was born in Buffalo, NY on October 10, 1942, son of the late Edward F. Schreier and Geraldine McMahon. He majored in Biology at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA, and earned his D.D.S. from the University of Buffalo School of Dentistry. While still a dental student, Ed was accepted into the Early Commission Program of the U.S. Navy Dental Corps, for which he would serve three years as a Lieutenant aboard the USS Isle Royale in California. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Ed and his wife Joyce moved to Boston where he completed his pediatric dentistry internship and residency with Tufts New England Medical Center Boston Floating Hospital, becoming a Board-certified pediatric dentist. He was a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Ed served as a Clinical Instructor at Tufts Dental School in 1974 and 1975. In 1978, “Dr. Ed” founded Norwell Pediatric Dentistry, serving the south shore community for over 40 years. Dr. Ed went out of his way to accommodate special needs patients, who benefited from his patience, flexibility, and authentic concern. His child-focused approach, cheer, gentle ways, and signature array of embroidered pants put all his patients at ease.
Outside of his profession, Ed contributed to his community in innumerable tangible and intangible ways. Among other roles, Ed served nine years on the Hingham School Committee, working closely with the Committee and administration to usher through the new Hingham Middle School building and the Hingham High School Fields renovation; establishing the POW/MIA Chair in the bleachers at the Hingham High School fields; representing the Committee in planning for the Foster Elementary and Plymouth River Elementary School Buildings; securing approval for the first seat-belted school bus; supporting countless other improvements, programs, committees, and subcommittees; and continuing to contribute even after his final term ended by volunteering on the School Department Master Plan Review Committee. As with any endeavor, Ed poured unbridled energy and enthusiasm into the Committee’s initiatives, taking a special interest in the challenges faced by students with special needs. He launched and served as Chair of the Special Education Subcommittee, attended numerous Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) meetings, and was a founding member and School Committee liaison to the South Shore Special Needs Athletic Partnership (SNAP).
Ed was an avid hunter of deer, antelope and javelina (in his earlier years); hunted little white balls (in his mid and later years); devoured mystery novels and historical accounts; collected Hingham Buckets and other Hingham memorabilia; and cared for their historic Hingham homestead. Rare was a day that did not find Ed tending to his fruit trees and grounds. These skills and interests he shared freely with anyone, the first to lend a hand, offer encouragement, or simply do the thing that made a person’s day. Foremost, however, was his devotion to his family, for whom he was a pillar of love and support, especially for Joyce, a Multiple Myeloma patient for whom he was especially solicitous..
Ed is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joyce Schreier; his daughters, Rachel Schewe and Emily Sumner, and their husbands, Charlie Schewe and Chad Sumner; his brothers, Peter Schreier and John Schreier, and their families; and his grandchildren, Emme, Kate, and Gretel Schewe and William, Henry, and Clara Sumner.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, May 6th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel, 21 Pond Street, Hingham, MA.
A memorial service will take place at 11:00 on Saturday, May 7th at Old Ship Church, 107 Main Street, Hingham, MA.
In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Ed may be made to Second Parish Church 685 Main St. Hingham, MA 02043; or to the Hingham Historical Society P.O. Box 434, Hingham MA 02043