Edward "Bump" H. Wilp

On Monday, January 22, Edward “Bump” Wilp was invited to attend the biggest party of them all when his heavenly Father called him home. It must have looked like an alright party as he decided to stay. Those of us in the Cincinnati-area on Monday did not hear any thunder or see any lightning so St. Peter & Paul must have asked him to keep it down, because surely, he wasted no time looking for a firework to light, his signature tradition.

Born to Edward and Mable Wilp of Reading Ohio on June 13, 1953, Ed had a mischievous smile, a twinkle in his eye, and an easygoing nature that immediately put anyone at ease. A plain-spoken man, he was a quick, yet accurate judge of character. He didn’t physically travel far in life because he didn’t need to. He had his friends, many of the same ones he “ran around with since grade school,” his wife, and later his family: two boys and a girl.

As evidence of his wry sense of humor, he branded himself an “Outlaw” when becoming a part of the extended Wilking family. Unlike most Wilkings he was not one that believed in the formality of a scheduled visit, just stop by, “we’d love to see you” was his motto. And he passed this same warmth and sense of hospitality along to each of his children.

He served his country as a member of the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. This provided him a master class in great beers and fine automobiles. Upon his exit from the Army, he met Mary while working at Loroco. Professionally, he would go on to serve as a butcher, Pepsi Man, Pepsi Service Tech, and ultimately, a local Teamsters’ Officer.

For Ed, though, it wasn’t what you did professionally that mattered, but rather how you cared for the ones you loved and having a good time doing it. 

He is survived by the love of his life Mary Rose (nee Wilking) and their three children: Michael & Maggie, Andrew & Rachel, and Jennifer & Kristopher and also his seven grandchildren: Lincoln and Cooper; Isla, Ruby and Quinn; and Vivienne and Estella. He is also survived by his brothers, Tim & Mark.

Visitation will take place Tuesday, January 30th, 2024, from 10:00a.m. until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00a.m., both at St. Saviour Catholic Church, 4136 Myrtle Ave., Cincinnati Ohio, 45236. Burial to follow Mass at St. Peter and Paul Cemetery, 9412 Reading Rd., Cincinnati Ohio, 45215. 

In lieu of flowers, please vote Democratic in this year’s upcoming election as nothing would make him happier, or make donations to CANCER FREE KIDS or MAKE A WISH, as these foundations are very near and dear to our hearts.