Edward D. Parrish Jr.

Edward D. Parrish, Jr. originally from Bedford, and late of Easton, PA, died Thursday night, January 9, 2014 after a long battle with cancer. Ed was born on April 11, 1951, in Holyoke, Massachusetts, the son of the late Edward D. Parrish, Sr. and Mariette Beeck Parrish. A graduate of Bedford High School, Ed held degrees in Juvenile Psychology (BS) and Criminal Justice (MA) from Arizona State niversity. He also held an Associate in Culinary Arts degree from Johnson & Wales University. At the time of his illness, Ed was working for Walgreen's Asset Protection and previously as a security consultant to the U.S. Government, in various locations around the world. During his lifetime, Ed also tended bar, managed a motel, worked as a DJ, and helped many friends in their businesses. He moved back to Bedford in 1988 to care for his ailing parents and to run their family store. He was a member of Frank W. Thompson Masonic Lodge in Bedford, and served as Master of the Lodge in 1982-1983. He was active in the Shriners and assisted with fundraising for their charitable efforts. He also volunteered at Sacred Heart Church, Allentown. His hobbies included antique glassware, ceremonial swords and old movies and musicals. Ed converted to Judaism , and was Bar Mitzvah. There was a traditional Jewish graveside service and interment at Easton Cemetery, in Easton, PA. on Monday. He is survived by his partner, James Somogyi, and long-time family friends, Dan and Dayle Silverman, of Bedford, and the members of Frank W. Thompson Lodge. Those considering a donation are encouraged to remember Ed at Sacred Heart Church, 336 N Fourth St, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18102, or St. Lukes Hospice House, 2455 Black River Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18015.