SOUTH PARIS — Edward Carroll “Ed” Hall Jr., died April 15, 2013, at the Veterans' Home in South Paris.

He was born Aug. 16, 1916, in Topsham, one of seven children of Louella M. and Edward C. Hall.

In 1935, Ed came to Bridgton to join the Civilian Conservation Corps — Camp 11005. He later enlisted in the Army Air Force and served overseas in Guam from 1944 to 1945.

Edward then returned home to Bridgton and to his wife, the former Elena Schiavi, in 1944.

He partnered with local attorney Leslie Dudley, establishing the firm of Hall and Dudley Real Estate and Insurance. During his business career he served on many local boards and was also appointed a Dedimus Justice by then Governor Edmund S. Muskie in 1958.

Ed often said that his hobbies were his real business. One of these was his obsession with building antique automobiles. A charter member of Pleasant Mountain Chapter of the Maine Obsolete Auto League (MOALs), he could often be seen cruising the local roads in some contraption or other.

His other pursuit was his lifelong music career. As a boy he taught himself to play the guitar and banjo. While in the service he toured with an Army Air Force Band to raise money for the Red Cross War Fund. He continued his music career after the war, joining Jack Kelly's New England Inn Orchestra. Bridgtonians may also remember the infamous Lease Breakers Band, which was composed of many local businessmen/musicians. His last performance was at the age of 87, when in 2003, on the lawn of the Bridgton Public Library, he played in celebration of the library's 90th birthday. He was nicknamed "Bridgton's Banjoist" by pianist Phil Saltman.

He leaves behind his daughters, Linda Soutiere and husband George, Carolyn Taylor and husband Alan, and Rita Hall-Fayle and husband Bob. Also surviving are six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of the Veterans' Home for their dedication to the care of our loved ones.

Arrangements will be private. Condolences can be left online at hallfuneralhomeinc.com