Edward Paul Vacca ... owned trucking business; at 73

Edward Paul Vacca, 73, died on March 22, 2023 peacefully and surrounded by family at Portsmouth Regional Hospital. He was born Sept. 7, 1949, in Watertown, Mass., to Ralph and Anna Vacca.

Ed, known as Uncle Eddie by his friends, graduated from Watertown High School in 1968 and continued to Newton Technical School. While still in high school in 1967, Ed met the love of his life, Judy through mutual friends. They were later married in June of 1969 and went on to spend the next 50 years together. Ed held various positions in the construction industry in Boston until he realized he truly wanted to work for himself. He bought his first truck, (a dump trailer) in 1969 and Vacca Trucking was born. In the late '70s, Ed and Judy moved with their two sons, Eddie and Brian, to New Hampshire to be closer to family. It was in the early '80s that Vacca Trucking morphed into Vacca and Sons Trucking to include his two sons. Ed owned 5 different trucks over the course of his career and became known as "Freight Train" to all who knew him in the industry as this was also his cb handle.

Aside from his love of his family and trucking, Ed and Judy's undeniable passion was travel. They owned several campers over the years. They camped while their sons were growing up and throughout their retirement years. Lake George, Bar Harbor and Boothbay Harbor were some of their favorite destinations. Another love that they shared was their dogs. They had several dogs who were part of the family over the years, from some of the biggest breeds-Dobermans to the tiniest breeds-Pomeranian, all of whom loved to join in on the family camping as well.

Ed was a salt of the earth kind of guy. He was never afraid to tell someone the truth or how he really felt because he truly cared about everyone around him. He was one of the most hard-working people you could meet. He persevered through tough years in the trucking industry in order to support his family. He would climb up in to his truck into his later years even when getting around was a challenge for him. Ed would also have a funny story to tell for everyone and in turn, anyone who knew him probably has a funny story to tell about him. He will truly be missed.

In addition to his parents, Ed was predeceased by his wife, Judy and his older brother, Ralph. His surviving family include his 2 sons: Edward Vacca II of Farmington, Brian Vacca and his wife, Mandy of Milton, a sister, Joan Valente of Orange City, Fla., two grandsons: Edward Vacca III and Owen Vacca. As well as many nieces, nephews and dear friends.