Edward Gordon Jolly

Edward Gordon Jolly, 80, of Port St. Lucie, FL passed away on May 15, 2015 at St. Lucie Medical Center in Port St. Lucie, FL. Born in Manhattan, New York, he previously lived in N. Providence, Rhode Island before relocating to Port Saint Lucie in 2006.

Lieutenant Commander Jolly retired from the U.S. Navy in 1985 after serving 33 years on active duty, a career which included duty stations all around the world and on all the oceans. A highlight of his Navy career was the year he spent "wintering-over" on the continent of Antarctica (the "South Pole"). His last assignment was as Officer-in-Charge, Pacific Fleet Audio Visual Command, Miramar, CA. While on active duty, Ed earned a BA degree in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Chapman University in Orange, CA. After retiring from the Navy he embarked on a second career as a Judicial Case Manager for the State of Rhode Island Department of Children,Youth and Families. In his "spare" time, he served two terms as the Commander of the State of Rhode Island AMVETS (American Veterans), a major veteran's service organization. He was also a member of the Disabled Veterans of America (DAV), the American Legion and the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) and was a co-founder of the National Association of Naval Photographers. In recognition of his many hours of service to his fellow veterans, Ed received the RI Veterans Patriot Award in 2003. Also active as a volunteer for the American Heart/Stroke Association after his stroke in 1996, he was presented with the AHA Stroke Survivor of the Year Award for 2003 (the first time the award was presented jointly to both the survivor and his wife as recognition of their service as a dedicated team).

He is survived by Sandra, his wife of 31 years; his daughters, Donna Stephens of Pensacola, FL; and Jackie (Tim) Corey of Slaughter, Louisiana; grandchildren, Christina (Blaine) Pike of Central, Louisiana, Calvin Edward (Dallas) Corey of Watson, Louisiana, Taylor Rae Clark of Panama City Beach, FL, Carlee Ann and Olivia Etta Stephens of Pensacola, FL; great grandchildren, Alivia Carol and Zoe Elaine Corey, Russell Buck and Rhett Corey Wallace, and Georgia Blaine Pike; sister, Helen Quirk of Portland, ME; brother, Michael (Edith) Brawley of S. Hempsted, NY; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Ed was predeceased by his daughter, Patricia Lynn Clark, grandson-in-law, Nathan Wallace, brothers Charles and Andrew, brother-in-law Daniel DeCastro and sister, Dorothy Jolly DeCastro.

A Memorial Service will be held at Bayview Memorial Park in Pensacola, FL on Sunday June 7, 2015 at 10 am.