Edward C. Vanderlip

Edward Carl Vanderlip was born November 13th, 1949 to the late Ulysses M. and Pauline E. Vanderlip (nee Strong) in New Rochelle, NY. Edward was born with a serious heart condition, and doctors shared early on that he was not expected to live past the age of 20. By God's grace, Edward defied those expectations and became only the second person to undergo a specialized heart surgery at that time–a testament to his strength, resilience, and the extraordinary life he would go on to live.
Edward was educated in the New Rochelle Public School system and was among the first students to integrate elementary school, as a result of the strong advocacy efforts of his mother and many others. He later graduated from New Rochelle High School in 1968.
Edward received his Associate Degree in Applied Science from Manhattan Community College, New York, NY. He worked in various positions before furthering his education, receiving a Diploma in Network Engineering and Data Communication from the Chubb Institute in Jersey City, NJ, and a Certificate in Brokerage Processing from the New York Institute of Finance in New York, NY. In February 2018 Edward was recognized for parent leadership and advocacy by a joint resolution from the State of New Jersey Senate and Assembly during Parent Leadership Month.
Edward deeply loved his family. He was widowed twice before meeting and marrying the love of his life, Diana Cooper in 2017. A lifelong NY Giants fan, Edward could often be heard passionately cheering "Go Blue," a clear indication that he was not to be disturbed during game time. He loved fishing and listening to a wide range of music genres with Miles Davis being his favorite musician–an artist who inspired him to literally "blow his own horn."
Edward accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and previously attended Bibleway Church in New Rochelle, NY. Prior to his most recent illness, he attended St. James Apostolic Temple in South Jersey and remained connected by logging on to services via social media under the leadership of Apostle Joseph Scott, Jr.
Edward lived life fully and joyfully. He was spontaneous, humorous, and had a natural gift for making others laugh. He proudly shared stories of his childhood, especially memories of growing up with his brother and a close childhood friend. Edward dearly loved his wife, children, and extended family. He looked forward to summers spent at the Jersey shore with family and friends and cherished attending family gatherings.
He retired from a career in Computer Networking in 2014 to focus on taking care of two grandchildren, both of whom have since graduated from high school and are gainfully employed. He took great pride in sharing that his grandson is currently pursuing a four-year degree on a full educational scholarship at Drew University.
Blessed beyond measure, Edward would often say he was "living on borrowed time." On Sunday, December 28, 2025, Edward departed this life. Edward leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Diana Cooper-Vanderlip, his daughters Janice Vanderlip and Gail Gantt, his brother Leonard Vanderlip and sister-in-love Carolyn Vanderlip, nephew Rev. Errol Vanderlip and his wife Rev. Joy Vanderlip; 5 sister-in-loves; Lynnore, Lee Michelle, Sharlene (Bobby), Aliyah and Wanda (Michael); 3 brother-in-loves; Charles Cooper (Mary), Daryll Cooper (Sylvia) Rodney Eaton (Virginia) six grandchildren; Anatasia, Donte Reed, Jr., Kytaya Reed, Gianna, Jordyn and Adam Jr., two great grandchildren; Gabriel and Olivia, a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, church family, Henderson family and friends, close friend Russell and special childhood friend Gerald Coleman (Delois).
Acknowledgements
Perhaps you sent a lovely card or sat quietly in a chair.
Perhaps you sent a floral piece, if so, we saw it there.
Perhaps you spoke the kindest words as any friend could say.
Perhaps you were not there at all just thought of us that day.
Whatever you did to console our hearts, We Thank You, Whatever the part.
The Family