Edward John Walsh, III of Doylestown passed away on September1, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was the devoted husband of Luana U. Aul. Born in Westfield, NJ, he was the son of the late Edward and Margaret Walsh. Ed lived his 79 years to the fullest.
Ed graduated from Westfield High School, class of 1963. After attending East Stroudsburg University, Ed enlisted in the Marine Corps and proudly served his country in Vietnam, achieving the rank of sergeant. Upon his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Ed continued his education at BCCC and graduated from Trenton State with a BS in Health and Physical Education. He began his teaching career in the Lower Merion SD and moved on to Central Bucks where he remained until his retirement.
During his summers, Ed managed the swimming facility at the Bucks Club for more than 50 years. In appreciation for his service, the Bucks Club aquatic facility was named in his honor. He served as head boy’s swim coach for CBAC from 1970 until 1987. Ed took over the head coaching position for the CBE boy’s team in 1981 and held that position for 37 years. In the swimming community Ed was known for his dedication to his swimmers. Coach Walsh kept the East boy’s team in the top tier of District One. His goal each year was to make each swimmer a better person. Coach Walsh lived by the creed: A Good coach can change a meet, a great coach can change a life. Ed is an inductee of the Central Bucks East Athletic Hall of Fame and the Bucks County chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. For more than 30 years he was a key member of the District One Swimming and Diving Steering Committee, and served two terms on the board of managers for the Fanny Chapman Pool. Taking life in the water very seriously, Ed was a water safety instructor and lifeguard trainer for 30 years. His partnership with his coaching buddy, Tom Kane, is unparalleled in swimming circles.
Ed often said that any day he woke up that he wasn’t in Vietnam was a good day. An avid reader, Ed enjoyed his time on the beach and on the deck of his home in LBI, deeply engrossed in his favorite biography or war story. Sharing their home provided Ed and Lon a great deal of pleasure. Another source of joy in his life was fulfilling the role of godfather, an honor “Eggie” deeply cherished. He loved them all. However, there was no role in life to which he was more suited than the loving husband of Lonnie, his sunshine.
In addition to his wife, Lonnie, and their golden doodle, Lincoln, he is survived by his beloved sister, Kathleen Huckins, her husband, George, his nephews: Anthony (Julia), Vincent (Gina) and George (Shayna) and his five great nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on the Marine Corps birthday, November 10, 2024 from 1 to 3 p.m. with words of remembrance beginning at 2:30 p.m., at Reed & Steinbach Funeral Home, 2335 Lower State Road, Doylestown.
The family requests, in lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial contributions in Ed’s name to: Central Bucks East Athletic Hall of Fame, c/o Central Bucks East High School, 2804 Holicong Road, Doylestown, PA 18902.