Edward J. Brown

Edward J. Brown, 87, of South Juliana Street, Bedford, died peacefully on Wednesday, May 5,2010 at his home, after a lengthy illness.  He was born on November 19, 1922 in Lloydell, a son of the late Joseph E. and Agnes C. (Boucher) Brown. He was preceded in death by, an infant son, a granddaughter Julia Brown, two sisters: Sister Marie Fatima and Elizabeth M. Haberkorn, and a brother Francis H. Brown. husband of Hilda of State College.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth (Beyer) and six children: Richard L., of San Francisco, CA; Linda M., wife of James R. Sproat, of Raleigh, NC; Joanne L. wife of Raymond  M. Lyons, of Sarasoto, FL; James A. married to former Beverly Ake, of Osterburg; Edward J. Jr., married to former Theresa Harvey, of Muncy, and John, married to former Sandra Masterson, Gallipolis Ferry, WV., nineteen grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren, three brothers:  Irvan A. married to the former Helen (Beyer) of Coudersport; Leo M. married to the former Betty (Buck) of Lloydell; Richard I. married to the former Isabelle (Bertrand) of Brooksville, FL;  one sister:  Rita widow of Dr. Steve Lucas of Edinboro.

Ed was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church in Bedford where he served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years. He was also an active member of the St. Thomas Council Knights of Columbus 4th Degree and held the offices of Treasurer, Grand Knight, Financial Secretary and editor of the K of C Newsletter.

Ed was in the United States Army, and served in the South Pacific Theater during World WWII and was honorably discharged with the rank of Technical Sergeant. He continued  in the active reserves until 1950 and then was discharged with the rank of Master Sergeant.

Ed was employed at the Franklin Car Shop of Bethlehem Steel from 1947 to 1949. He graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1953 and earned a Masters Degree in 1960. He taught Vocational Agriculture at Bedford High School and later served as an Assistant Principal until 1977.   He was then elected as Principal at the Jefferson County Dubois Area Vocational Technical School. He retired from public service in 1982 and was then employed by the University of Pittsburgh as a Field Instructor in vocational education until 1989. He was a member of the Penelec Advisor Panel first in Clearfield and then later in Bedford County from 1983 to 1989. Ed was also a charter member of the Tri-State Phi Delta Kappa Educational Fraternity of Frostburg State College, of Maryland, and served as it's first treasurer. He was a member of the Wally Byam Caravan Club and served as President of the Pennsylvania Unit. He was also an active member of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR) serving on various committees, and elected President of the Bedford County Unit and Region 6 Director of PASR.

Ed was also a life member of the National Eagle Scouts of America, a member of the American Legion where he served as Commander and a member of the Fort Bedford Honor Guard.  He was also member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vocational Administrators of Pennsylvania, Bedford Elks, and the Bedford Grange.  His death ended a marriage union of 64 years.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 10, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. from the St. Thomas Catholic Church, in Bedford, with Father Donald Dusza Celebrant, assisted by Father Leroy Beyer and Deacon Ray Lyons, burial at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery with full military rites conducted by the Fort Bedford Honor Guard. Friends will be received on Sunday, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford. Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.