Edmund Joseph DiStefano, Jr.

Rev. Edmund Joseph DiStefano, Jr., age 78, of Henrico, NC, passed away Monday, December 22, 2025.

Born in Poughkeepsie, NY, he was the son of the late Ed and Grace Avery DiStefano. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Lisa Chantel DiStefano; two sisters, Lisa Sworsy and Theresa Pollak; and a brother, Otto DiStefano.

A U.S. Navy veteran, he served as Fire Commissioner and was a volunteer firefighter while living in Staatsburg, NY. An avid outdoorsman, he was a founding member of the Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter of Bassmasters.

Ed retired after 30 years with IBM as a department manager. After retirement, he moved to Lake Gaston and answered the call to enter the ministry. He attended divinity school at Duke University and served as Pastor of several United Methodist churches across Southside Virginia. He was a beloved member of Olive Branch United Methodist Church in Gasburg, VA, where he served as Lay Leader for many years. Ed will be remembered as a doting “Opa” to his grandchildren and half of the world.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Cheryl Jane DiStefano; two daughters, Toni Baird (Craig) and Stacey Folsom (David); grandchildren, Samantha Rhodes (Matt), Tyler Baird, Austin Folsom, and Zach Baird; a great-grandson, Liam Rhodes; brothers, John DiStefano (Lynne) and Alan DiStefano (Joan), as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, December 26, 2025 at Williams Funeral Home & Crematory in Lawrenceville, VA. A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Olive Branch United Methodist Church, Gasburg, VA, followed by interment in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Olive Branch UMC, P.O. Box 65, Gasburg, VA 23857.