PORTLAND — Edward Patrick Ranaghan, 90, died peacefully May 5 after a brief illness.

He was born Feb. 20, 1925, in Portland. Christened Patrick Edward Ranaghan, has was the son of Charles H. and Margaret (Costello) Ranaghan.

Edward attended local schools and graduated from Cheverus High School in 1943. He then entered the U.S. Navy and proudly served as a signalman on the escort aircraft carrier USS Bogue.

After his military service, he attended the University of Maine in Orono and graduated in 1951, the first in his family to earn a college degree. He began his teaching career in Madawaska and later accepted a position in Auburn.

In 1956, Ranaghan began teaching at Portland’s King Middle School and retired as a guidance counselor in 1983. While at King, he implemented several very successful student programs, including the Neighborhood Youth Corps.

Ranaghan enjoyed retirement to the fullest and spent his time attending book fairs, volunteering at a local soup kitchen and spending time at his camp on Highland Lake.  Another favorite activity was hosting his biweekly poker games with his friends.

He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth Griffin Ranaghan, in 2008.

He is survived by his sister, Catherine Monn, of Portland, and his three children, Stephanie Smith, Patrick Ranaghan and Mary Latini. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Rachel, Patrick, Zachary and Mackenzie Smith and Meghan and Amie Ranaghan, as well as three great-grandchildren.

He enjoyed a very close relationship with his son-in-law, Philip Latini, and his nephew, Thomas Ranaghan Jr.  Both spent much time with Ranaghan, and were always there to help.

The family would like to thank the staff of Mercy Hospital’s critical care unit for their compassion and care.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated May 8 at St. Joseph Church, in Portland, with interment following at Calvary Cemetery, in South Portland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ranaghan’s name to St. Brigid School, 695 Stevens Ave., Portland ME 04103.