Preceded in death by his parents, Haidee and Edward Sr. He is survived by his wife, Sonia, his daughters Terri, Norma, Ginger, and Laurie and his son, Edward III. He was also grandfather to Rebecca, Bobby, Kelly, Jack, Makayla, Casey, Jessica, Tyler, Chaz, and Ashley, and great grandfather to Lucy, Gabby, Penny and Leo.
Ed was born on September 20th 1934 in Philadelphia, PA. He was a 1956 ROTC graduate of La Salle University. He served in Korea in 1961 and the Vietnam War in 1972. There he participated in the battle of An-Loc, an Easter day invasion considered by historians as a pivotal turning point in the war for which he received the Silver Star, the third highest award for combat. Ed later served as the commander of the 41st field artillery brigade in Babenhausen, Germany. He retired as a Colonel in 1986, having received many other awards for his service, including The Meritorious Service Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, The Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, The Legion of Merit with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, and The Bronze Star for Valor with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters.
Upon retirement in Colorado Springs, CO, Ed continued his life of service by volunteering with the Catholic church and various community outreach programs. He ministered to the grieving with his work at the Swan-Law funeral home and spent time with his grandchildren, many of whom were fortunate enough to live close by. In 2018 he and Sonia moved to the Atlanta area to be closer to their great grandchildren and warmer weather.
More than any other, Ed valued his identity as a soldier and combat decorated veteran. His commitment to the United States and the values of his military service- honor, courage, and a life lived in dedication to others- set the course for his legacy seen in his children and their families today.
A mass of christian burial for Ed will be held Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 101 Walt Banks Rd, Peachtree City, Georgia 30269.
A burial with military honors will occur Friday, May 31, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.
