HARPSWELL — Edward “Ned” Dewey, 88, of Bailey Island, and formerly of Lincoln, Mass., passed away Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014, in Brunswick surrounded by his family. He was the son of the late William R. and Katharine Pratt Dewey Jr. of Weston, Mass., and beloved husband of the late Zella Thomas Dewey.

He attended the Belmont Hill School and graduated Harvard College, class of 1948. He saw active duty in Korea where he rose to the rank of sergeant 1st class in the U.S. Army. He was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service.

In 1956 he married Zella, the love of his life. He worked in the metropolitan Boston area as a manufacturer’s representative for Industrial Equipment and Sales Corp. He was president for more than 25 years, helping to establish the company as a multi-man operation whose success was founded on the principle that the customer always comes first. Weekends were filled with the restoration of their two antique homes, a passion both he and Zella shared.

In 1992, Ned and Zella retired to Bailey Island. He then set about his next career supporting local nonprofit organizations. He spent many hours volunteering for the Orr’s and Bailey Islands Fire Department, maintaining mailing lists and supporting their fundraising efforts.

He also found great inspiration working for The Friends of Peary’s Eagle Island. The admiral’s motto, “inveniam viam aut faciam” — “find a way or make one” — matched his own philosophy of determined persistence. As a board member of The Friends, he helped with managing the design and construction of a visitor center and amenities, newsletter editing, fundraising and the petition to make Eagle Island a National Historic Landmark (granted summer 2014). His happiest moments were supporting the causes he loved and spending time with Zella, family and friends exploring Casco Bay.

Ned is survived by his children, Mary Lou and Kevin Fitzgerald of Massachusetts, Caroline Dewey of Rhode Island, and Tom Dewey and Terry Quan of California; six grandchildren; and his sister, Barbara Dewey of Massachusetts.

He was predeceased by Zella, his wife of 57 years; his brother, William R. Dewey III; and sister Katharine Palfrey.

A memorial will be held in celebration of his life at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Brunswick, on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 1 p.m. Arrangements are by Brackett Funeral Home in Brunswick.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Friends of Peary’s Eagle Island, P.O. Box 70 Bailey Island, ME 04003; or The Orr’s and Bailey Islands Fire Department, P.O. Box 177, Orr’s Island, ME 04066.