Photo courtesy of Tempe Mortuary - Tempe
Tempe, Arizona
Edward S. Hercel (Ed), 87, of Chandler, Arizona, passed away peacefully
on August 4th, 2023. He was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, and
attended Ferris High School. Ed later enlisted in the U.S. Army. After
Basic Training, he was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division (nicknamed
"Tropic Lightning"). Ed then went into training as a Military Police
Officer at the Schofield Barracks in Oahu, HI. Ed finished out the
remainder of his military career as a lifeguard at Waianae Army Beach in
Oahu, HI.
After completing his service in the Army, Ed returned home to New Jersey
where he married the love of his life, Marylou. They settled in Scotch
Plains, NJ where they raised their family. This is where Ed was also a
member of the American Legion Post 209. Ed had an over 35 year career as
a Teamster truck driver with New Penn Motor Express. He spent his days
delivering freight throughout the tri-state area, including New York
City. In 1994, Ed retired and relocated to Arizona with Marylou to enjoy
the sunshine and spoil their grandchildren. He always had a passion for
photography, trains, and baseball (Go Yankees!). Some of his photos were
even published in railroad magazines and he accumulated thousands of
family photos and memories in his lifetime.
Ed is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marylou; parents, Stanley
and Florence; brother, Stanley; and sister, Jean. Ed is survived by his
sons, Edward of Phoenix, AZ and David of Surprise, AZ; his
daughter-in-law Casey of Surprise, AZ; and six grandchildren, Martina,
Edward, Rose, Nicholas, Kylie, and Emily. He also leaves behind his
sister Helen of FL and his brother Tom of NJ.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023
at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1800 E. Libra Dr. in Tempe. The
interment will take place following mass, at 1:30 PM at the National
Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix. Arrangements entrusted to Tempe
Mortuary.
In Lieu of flowers, please make donations in his name to Chandler
Firefighter Charities @ chandlerfirefightercharities.org
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. Eddie was a delight with his unique sense of humor that not every one had the pleasure to experience. I met Ed through his love of trains and photography and he soon became a person who I was always glad to see. To characterize him in simple words, A kind,caring,giving and hurmous man who you wanted to be around.
Mel Subers
August 23, 2023 | Friend
Group of 10 Memorial Trees
Bob Kroll
August 14, 2023
Mr. Hercel--Although it's been a long time since I used to hang out in the basement of the Hercel house, I remember you well and will miss your unexpected sense of humor. You were always so kind to us kids, and I'm pretty sure you knew--but turned a blind-eye to it--when a few bottles of your Stegmaier's disappeared. You will be missed. My condolences to David and Eddie and the family.
bob kroll
August 14, 2023 | Friend
I have many memories of my brother Eddie.one of many that I could share is as young teen Eddie had a genuine respect for our parish church St Anthony’s in downtown City.
On many occasions he would run errands for the Felician Nuns, help the custodian in the parish hall after an event or do anything that was needed and this was without being asked - he would just show up and volunteer his time.
Just a little “ nugget “ that I wanted to be sure was in his legacy.
Tom Hercel
Tom Hercel
August 11, 2023 | NJ | Family
Pop! You leave a big footprint of wonderful family memories! Thank you for being the best father-in-law and grandpa to our kids! I remember first meeting you in NJ, I was nervous and you blew soap bubbles! You taught our three kids to swim by 3 years old. Your Red clown nose you put on while playing the harmonica. To cheer our kids! All the Sunday dinners and gatherings will not be forgotten!! I know you are with Mima in glory and peace! We will miss you. You were there for...
Veronica Hercel
August 10, 2023 | Phoenix, AZ
