Chelsea said goodbye on February 1 to a man whose life spanned nearly a century in this city and connected residents to its past. John Edward McBride, who passed away last week at 90, lived his entire life here, becoming a fixture known for his candid nature and his distinctive, commanding voice that regularly resonated through city hall and other public forums. Throughout his years, McBride wore many hats. His work included teaching in the schools, practicing as a public accountant, and operating McBride’s, a liquor store situated on Cross Street for an extended period. He also took considerable pride in serving as a Trustee of the Soldiers Home. Yet McBride represented far more than these professional roles suggest. He was deeply woven into the fabric of Chelsea itself—a visible presence around town, an educated man, a veteran of the Army, and a devoted family man who became a father, grandfather, and great grandfather. The defining achievement of his long life was his 67 year marriage to Elizabeth, a former School Committeewoman and one of Chelsea’s most respected women. His children, whom he cherished deeply, each carried forward qualities of their father in their own distinct ways. Within his large Chelsea family, McBride served as the steadying force, the protector and guardian. Those of us at the Record knew him well and came to appreciate him greatly over the years. He possessed a genuine sparkle, a quality that made him seem perpetually younger than his actual age. To his family, and especially to Elizabeth, we extend our deepest sympathies.
John Edward McBride
