Robert William Edward, Jr., 76, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2019 at the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home, Land O’ Lakes, FL, finally succumbing to a long battle with dementia caused by a brain aneurysm seventeen years ago. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Holly (Marian) Edward, who was at his side when he passed. Bob is also survived by two sisters, Judy Meegan of Hamburg, NY and Patricia Szarzynski (Eugene) of Depew, NY; two stepdaughters, Jill DeVito (Chris) of San Marcos, CA, and Jennifer Ihrke (Alan) of Castle Rock, CO, and their loving families. Bob also leaves behind several nieces and nephews who brought him much joy.
Robert was predeceased by his father Robert Edward Sr., his mother Alice (Kroenig) Edward, his brother John “Jack” Edward, and his sister Barbara Wiedenbeck.
Bob grew up in the inner city of Buffalo, NY and attended Kensington High School where he excelled at football. He was proud to be inducted into Buffalo’s Harvard Cup Hall of Fame in 2005 for his accomplishments on the field. Bob attended the University of Buffalo on a football scholarship and, after being drafted, spent the 1965 NFL pre-season with the Pittsburg Steelers.
He became a public-school teacher in Buffalo and served in the US Army from 1967 to 1969 at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Bob moved to Orange County, California in 1971, where he continued to teach and coach football for several years before transitioning to construction management.
Bob and Holly were married in 1994 and enjoyed a life filled with faith and wonderful friends in Yorba Linda. After Bob’s stroke, they moved to Florida so that Holly could care for her aging parents as well as Bob. As Bob’s condition declined, a move to the nursing home was necessary in 2014 to provide the required care.
Bob was a Buffalo kid at heart and looked forward to every visit back home. He cherished his childhood summers at Allegheny State Park. He enjoyed his vacations at the Outer Banks, and golf and tennis with numerous friends. Bob was a kind man and a gifted athlete who loved his family, loved his God, and trusted in Christ alone for his salvation.
Visitation & Viewing will be held on Thursday, May 23, at 10:00am at Lakeside Memorial (Curtin) Funeral Home, 1340 Union Rd in West Seneca, NY. Burial with military honors will follow at 12:00pm at Elmlawn Cemetery, 3939 Delaware Ave in Kenmore, NY.
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. May “the God of all comfort” help you all during these difficult times as you remember the wonderful hope He has given us for the future (2 Corinthians 1:3; Acts 24:15).
I am very sorry for your loss. May your memories never fade, and may the many promises God has made regarding the future bring you comfort during this most difficult time. Promises such as the ones mentioned in Psalm 37:9-11,29 as well as Revelation 21:4 can really help as these promises offer hope for not only us but our beautiful planet as well.
Bob and I played football at Kensington and we were co-captains of the 1960 team. His competitive spirit was a motivating factor in the success of the team. My prayer for Bob’s family is that during this difficult time you may know the peace of the Lord. May God’s grace and mercy abound with you as you work through your grief and celebrate precious memories of Bob.
I am deeply sorry for your loss and hope you find comfort in remembering the good times and memories
Holly
It’s been a long hard journey but he is in a better place now. Both Di and I send our prayers and we both still think about all the good times we had playing golf every week.
Look forward to seeing you soon and thank you so much for sharing all of Bob’s life story, great things from a great man.
I’ll share with all here in Yorba Linda…old friends and tennis partners.
Take care
Bob & Dian
We wish you comfort in this time of loss. The pictures took us back to our days in Yorba Linda and visits to FL.
Bob will be missed but we hope you and family will take comfort in 2nd Timothy (4:7-8)
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day.
Holly, so sorry to hear your sad news. May he rest in peace, and may you rest now knowing you did your best. Love,Ree
So sorry to hear of Bobby’s passing. We were all Stevens St and Kensington HS grads. Judy and Patty-hope you are well.
I live in Allegany County now. Imagine that!! Drop me a line sometime-Bev Kirsits Gibbs
Prayers and condolences on the death of Robert Jr. from the. di Pota Family, AJ, Mary and Nick. My father, Michael was second cousins of Robert Jr., as my grandmother, Helen was first cousin to Bob Sr. and Gordon.
May you find peace and comfort in knowing that he is well and with our Lord.
Holly-
I am so sorry to hear about Bob. He was a sweet and wonderful man. I know how happy you two were. You have gone through many struggles and I know your faith has helped you thru them.
Know that I am thinking of you and praying for you to remember all the good memories you two had together.
Love, Judi
Arguably the greatest athlete to ever come out of Kensington High School! Rest In Peace Hall of Famer, Kensington Forever!