Edward Phipps Kingsbury

Dr. Edward P. Kingsbury, age 94, passed away on July 14, 2025, in Walpole, Massachusetts. He was a prominent figure in lubrication science, particularly known for his groundbreaking work in elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL). Born in Framingham, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Willis Albert and Constance Elizabeth (Merriam) Kingsbury. He is survived by his devoted wife Nancy (Mackey) Kingsbury, his children Bill, Jim (Abby), Esther (Eric), Joseph (Kelly), Frances (Juan), and grandchildren Edward, Charles, and Alec. He was predeceased by his siblings John M. Kingsbury and Ellen DeWolf. He was also husband of the late Betty B. Sykes, and the late Judith (Littlefield) Bateman.

Raised in Framingham, he was a graduate of Framingham High School class of 1949 and received advanced degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the mechanical engineering course.

He worked at the MIT Instrumentation Lab, later the C.S. Draper Laboratory, as a tribologist, retiring in 1992. Throughout his career he also worked with NASA Glenn Research Center (formerly NASA Lewis) on testing and modeling of lubricants under vacuum and did consulting work with The Bearing Consultants and Interesting Rolling Contact.

He was a musician who played bassoon with many local amateur orchestras and bands, including The Concord Band. He met his wife Nancy while playing in a woodwind quintet, and they enjoyed many Boston Symphony Orchestra performances together. He enjoyed spending his free time on the water. Many lunch breaks at the Lab were spent sailing on the Charles River with the "Noontime Hackers." He also owned a Herreshoff doughdish that he sailed on Buzzards Bay, as well as a catamaran, and enjoyed winters iceboating. When he was not sailing, he liked to spend time hiking in the White Mountains, and at home he grew a large vegetable garden. He was involved in the preservation of the historic Bullard Memorial Farm in Holliston, MA, as President of the association and serving on the board of directors. He was also a train enthusiast, he did his daily crossword puzzle in pen, and he usually had a pun ready for any conversation. Most of all, he was a loving husband and father who found joy in spending time with his family.

At the request of his family, all services will be private, with interment at Lake Grove Cemetery in Holliston, Massachusetts. 

In recognition of the loving care he received from the nurses and aides at New Pond Village, memorial donations in Edward's name may be made to New Pond Village Holiday Fund at New Pond Village, 180 Main St., Walpole, MA 02081.

Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.