Edward P. Kane

Edward P. Kane passed away on June 25, 2023. He was 79 years old. Born in Brooklyn, NY on May 2, 1944, he lived there until he moved to New Jersey in 1958. The son of Edward and Ethel Kane, he is survived by his sons, Kevin of Virginia Beach, Patrick and his wife Shannon of Virginia Beach, Terrence and his wife Megan of Selby Township, Michigan, Kenny and his wife Rachel of Rockville, Maryland, his grandchildren, Spencer, Naya Harmony and Kaassandra Yuna, his two sisters, Carolyn Kane Chiarieri, Victoria Kane Sussman and her husband John, brother Jeffrey Kane, brother-in-law Lanse, and Ed’s beloved fiancé, Jane Stasen. Edward is predeceased by his parents, his sister Kathleen Kane Leach, and brother-in-law, Dominick Chiarieri.

Edward was a proud of alum of St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark, New Jersey where he graduated in 1962, His local congressman from the U.S. House of Representatives offered Ed an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point New York. This was a dream come true for Ed. He began his demanding 4-year education on July 2, 1962, when he joined 800 other “New Cadets”, 579 of whom would graduate on June 8th, 1966 and become Second Lieutenants in the United States Army.

Over his 4 years at West Point, Ed excelled in academics, military leadership, sports, and numerous extracurricular activities. In academics, he graduated 33rd in his class. His instructors were so impressed with his academic skills that he was invited to join the faculty at West Point several years later. In sports, he was a member of the freshman swim team. However, skydiving (sport parachuting) was the sport where he was most successful, being a member of the national intercollegiate champions. He was known for his mid-air baton passes to a fellow diver as well as being very accurate in hitting the target on the ground. He strived to be the best but also focused considerable energy in training his teammates to be and do the same.

Upon graduation, Ed selected the Corps of Engineers as his Army branch for future assignments. He attended the Engineer Officer Basic Course and then was assigned to the 326th Engineer Battalion, 101st Airborne Division. He joined the division as they were headed to Vietnam. There Colonel Kane served at a Platoon Leader and Company Commander. For his second tour of duty in Vietnam he was assigned as a Company Commander with the 43rd Engineer Battalion and the 8th Engineer Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division.

Following his Vietnam assignments, he went back to school and received his MBA from the College of William and Mary and a Master of Science degree from Georgia Tech University. He was then selected for a faculty position in the Department of Social Sciences at the United States Military Academy where he rose to the position of Associate Professor of Financial Management.

Ed’s final active-duty assignment was as Director of Engineering with the Army Air Force Exchange System in Dallas, Texas. He retired in 1993. He then joined Valley Forge Military Academy and College as their Director of Physical Plant. But he still wasn’t done. His final positions were with the United States Postal Service culminating as the Delivery Supervisor in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania.

Colonel Kane’s military education and schooling included Engineer Officer Advanced Course, Command and General Staff School, Army War College, Airborne School, Ranger School, and Air Assault School.

Colonel Kane’s military decorations included Legion of Merit (2), Bronze Star Medal (3), Purple Heart (2), Meritorious Service Medal (5), Air Medal (5), Army Commendation Medal (4), and the Army Achievement Medal.

Colonel Kane was a soldier’s soldier and will be remembered for his commitment and strong work ethic to all his numerous careers during his life. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. The family has requested donations be sent to St. Benedict’s Advancement Office, 520 MLK Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AllevaFuneralHome.com for the Kane family.