Edward Reed, Jr.

1948-2019

Edward W. Reed, Jr.

After a courageous 25 years of battling rheumatoid arthritis, Edward W. Reed, Jr. 71, of Ridley Park, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Lankenau Hospital on December 29, 2019.

He was predeceased by his parents, Edward W. Reed, Sr. and Bernice L. (nee Ulshafer) Reed and his sister Nancy Horwoth.

Ed was in the first graduating class of Cardinal O’Hara High School in 1966. Following high school, Ed enlisted in the Air Force and served 4 years during the Vietnam War reaching the rank of Sergeant. While being stationed in the Phillipines, he went to Japan and climbed Mt. Fuji.  After the service, he graduated from Goldey- Beacom College. Ed worked for Sun Oil Refinery in operations before he was disabled.

Ed was an avid Philadelphia sports fan and enjoyed cheering on the Phillies and Eagles.  He had season tickets to the Eagles games for many years.  He enjoyed taking vacations with his family to the New Jersey beaches.  Before his disability, he enjoyed playing golf, baseball, and darts.  His hobbies included crossword puzzles, gardening, and home improvements. He loved his dogs, many of them rescues: Shiloh, Ziggy Stardust, Prince, Sonny Blue, Bossy and Stevie.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Maria P. Reed (nee Bagan), loving daughters Melanie Fillian and Melissa Maguire (Brian), 7 adoring grandchildren Mason, Ella, Avery, Brian, Jr., Zachary, Axel & Cooper and his wonderful siblings Gerald Reed (Diane), Sandra Cubit (Mark), Bonnie McDowell (Bruce), and sister-in-law Vera Centola (Merrick).

During his illness, Ed faced multiple physical issues. He faced each challenge with a positive attitude, good humor, grit, bravery, and a singular focus on making the best of life.  He will be remembered for his fantastic sense of humor, warm smile, quick wit, eternal optimism and above all his devotion to his family.  He will be forever missed and never forgotten.

The family would like to express a special thanks and appreciation to the ICU at Lankenau Hospital and the doctors and staff at Thomas Jefferson Hospital, Crozer, and Taylor Hospital who took such good care of him through the years.  A special thanks to our relatives, friends, and neighbors for their caring support of Ed during his declining health.

Family and friends are invited to his Visitation on Monday January 6, 2020 from 9:00 AM – 10:45 AM at St. Madeline Church, 110 Park St., Ridley Park, Pa 19078 followed by his 11:00 AM Funeral Mass.  Burial and Military Honors will follow at Lawn Croft Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations be made in Ed’s name to St. Madeline Church AC Fund.