Edmund J. Debs

Edmund J. “Eddie” Debs, 95, of Methuen passed away September 6, 2021 at the Hannah-Duston Healthcare Center in Hverhill. Eddie was the fourth of six children born to Lebanese immigrants, Nicholas and Effey (Habib) Debs. His childhood was spent with his close knit family.

Eddie was raised in Lawrence and lived in Methuen for the greater part of his life. He was a graduate of Lawrence High School and then served with the U.S. Navy during WWII and was assigned duty on the USS Dobler (DE-48), a destroyer escort.

After being honorably discharged from his military service, Eddie entered the workforce and was employed by William Barry Garment Company and earned the position as a manager due to his dedication and hard work. After working several years, Eddie went on to other business ventures, as he owned and operated the Calumet Club in Lawrence. He later moved onto owning and operating Eddie Mann’s Restaurant and Lounge on Essex St. Lawrence with his brother-in-law and partner, Edmund Mansor which was a highly successful and popular business establishment.

Eddie did not walk his path in life alone. He married Donna Venturo in 1951 in Haverhill and they were married until her passing in 2003. During that time they enjoyed their children, family and friends. Both sides of the family enjoyed fun gatherings during the holidays and special occasions.

In retirement, Eddie became an avid walker and took up gardening as he had quite a green thumb. He was a fan of horse racing and was a common sight with friends and relatives at Rockingham Park in Salem, NH. He was also a fan of the New England Patriots and enjoyed watching the Boston Red Sox.

He was a humble person who did not speak much of his accomplishments and military service, but had a subtle and priceless sense of humor. Everyone loved being around him and he will be sorely missed.

Edmund was predeceased by his wife, Donna (Venturo) Debs and his siblings, Margaret Nordseth, Shakeeb “Joseph” and Ferris Debs, Yvonne DelPozzo, and brother-in-law, Marcus Nordseth.

He is survived by his children, Pamela Covey of Salisbury and Stephen Debs of Methuen and his companion Cynthia Crowley of Haverhill; sister, Roberta “Bobbie” Mansor and her husband Edmund of Methuen; granddaughter, Jennifer Keefe and her husband Jack of Londonderry, NH; his sweet great-granddaughter, Zoe Keefe; his brother-in-law, Alfred DelPozzo of Methuen and many nieces and nephews. Also missing him is his special family friend, Billie Sue Burns.

The family requests that those attending services to please wear a mask.

Those who prefer may make donations in Edmund’s memory to the Salem Animal Rescue League of Salem, NH.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Sunday, September 12, 2021 from 4:00-7:00 PM at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley St. Methuen. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, September 13, 2021 at St. Joseph Melkite Greek Catholic Church, 241 Hampshire St. Lawrence. Burial will be in the United Lebanese Cemetery, Lawrence.