Longtime Provincetown resident John G.D. Edwards died peacefully in his sleep on April 14, 2023 at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis following an extended illness. He was 82.
John was born on May 25, 1940 in Panama Beach, Fla. and grew up in Pelham, N.Y. Following his graduation from Pelham High School, he began his retail career at a unique New York City shop under the tutelage of importer and later business partner Sam Hilu. Working at Sam’s Greenwich Village business, John was immersed in New York’s 1960s theater and rock and roll scene.
John moved to Provincetown in the 1960s, and it became his forever home. He opened Pier Cargo at 290 Commercial St. in the 1970s.
John became a Provincetown fixture for over 40 years. He loved everything about the town in every way, from its people to its unique history. In retirement, he spent every day collecting and chronicling its photographic history. John is remembered especially for his personality and great heart.
John is survived by his son, Christopher J. O’Donnell, and by friends James Zimmerman, Kevin Sawyer, Richard Heidelmark, and extended family.
John was predeceased by his son, Carl J. Edwards; his parents, Olivetta and Stanley Moore; and his aunt, Augusta Holloway.
In the family tradition, John’s life was celebrated and his ashes were spread off Race Point in Provincetown on May 25, 2023, following prayers attended by family and his closest friends.
