Edward William Limbach

Edward William Limbach, age 87, of Aurora, passed away Saturday, January 31, 2026. Ed is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Lynn (nee Arbogast). He will be dearly missed by Lynn and the many friends whose lives he touched throughout the years. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Leona Limbach.

A native of Ashtabula, Ohio, Ed graduated from Ashtabula High School in 1957 and went on to earn a B.S. in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University in 1961. Following graduation, he was commissioned as a Regular Army Officer in the Army Artillery, serving three and a half years on active duty.

In 1964, Ed began a distinguished 33-year career with the American Water Works Company, Inc., where he was recognized throughout his tenure for his leadership and impact. He was named Tiffin, Ohio's Outstanding Young Man of the Year in 1969 and received the "George M. Fuller Award" in 1983 for outstanding achievement in the water utility industry. In 1989, Governor Gaston Caperton of West Virginia presented Ed with the "Distinguished West Virginia Award" to honor his dedication to improving the quality of life for thousands of residents while serving as President of West Virginia-American Water Company. For 10 years, Ed served as a Regional President of American Water Works Company, overseeing investor-owned water systems serving one million people throughout Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland. At the time of his retirement, he served as Vice President of the parent company in charge of non-regulated business development.

A respected voice in national utility policy, Ed served as the Past President of the National Association of Water Companies and shared his expertise as a member of the Advisory Board of the Reason Foundation. His leadership extended to the public sector, where he contributed to the Privatization Committees of both the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the American Legislative Exchange Council. Additionally, he played a vital role in advancing industry standards as the Chair of the Management Division of the American Water Works Association.

Ed's commitment to community was vast. He was a member of Rotary and Kiwanis and was actively involved with Junior Achievement, the Chamber of Commerce, United Way, and the Salvation Army. He served as the Affiliate President and board member for Habitat for Humanity of Portage County and was an AARP 55Alive/Mature Driving Instructor. In 2000, Ed was elected to the BGSU Alumni Board of Directors, where he served for four years, and in 2005, he was honored with the Bowling Green State University Alumni Service Award.

Upon retirement, Ed and Lynn moved to Walden in Aurora, OH, where he remained deeply engaged. Locally, he served his neighbors as President of the Walden Board of Managers and contributed to local governance as Vice Chair of the Aurora Charter Review Commission.

Beyond his professional life, Ed was an avid collector of circus and carnival memorabilia. Over five decades, he amassed a substantial collection of vintage circus posters and served in several leadership capacities for the Circus Fans Association of America. He was Past President of the Orrin B. Davenport-Jake Mills Tent No. 89 of Cleveland and served as the National Circus Fans Association Director of Public Relations and Media.

Faith was a cornerstone of Ed's journey. As a member of The Church in Aurora, he served as a deacon and contributed his expertise to the Endowment and Stewardship committees, notably serving as the chair of the 2003 Stewardship Campaign.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Ed's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at The Church in Aurora, 146 S. Chillicothe Rd., Aurora, OH 44202. Private interment will take place at Aurora Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Ed's name to The Church in Aurora (www.thechurchinaurora.org) at the address above, or to Crossroads Hospice & Pallative Care, 9775 Rockside Road, Suite 270, Valley View, OH 44125 (www.crossroadshospice.com).

Arrangements by Busch-Romito Funeral Home, Hudson, OH (330-650-4181). www.buschcares.com