Edward Vincent Glennon

Edward Vincent Glennon

Edward Vincent Glennon, a resident of Palm Springs, California, and Federal Way, Washington, and a recipient of The Purple Heart for valor, died Tuesday, April 17, 2012. Glennon, 86, died peacefully in his Palm Springs home after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer. The son of Lillian Zigmuntovich Glennon and Patrick Francis Glennon, Edward was born September 22, 1925 in the borough of Swoyersville, Pennsylvania. He was exceedingly proud to be a member of the United States Marine Corps, and served his country in World War II with the 5th Marine Division. Edward was shot and barely escaped death during the Battle at Iwo Jima, and was awarded The Purple Heart, bestowed by President of the United States to servicemen killed or wounded in battle. Edward moved to Palm Springs in 1957 and worked for AT&T for many years. He opened and ran a homeowner's association management company, and was also an inventor. Among his inventions was an innovative exterior lighting fixture which he manufactured overseas and marketed in the United States. In his 40s, Ed had dated June Johnson, but the two lost touch. Twenty years later their paths crossed again in Palm Springs and on August 27, 1988, at age 62, Edward married June who he described as the love of his life. The two celebrated their vows at the United Methodist Church of Las Vegas, and began a life together of leisure, travel and good times. Ed and June were avid golfers, members of The O'Donnel Golf Club of Palm Springs and the Twin Lakes Golf & Country Club in Federal Way where they spent summers together. Ed traveled to numerous 5th Division Marine reunions in Washington D.C, and was a member of the Owen Coffman American Legion Post #519 of Palm Springs. He also belonged to the Marine Corps League. Edward is survived by June, his loving wife of 24 years; and stepsons Joel Johnson and Jan Johnson; stepdaughter Nancy Reeves; granddaughter Christine Opland; grandson Andrew Reeves; great-grandsons Christopher Opland and Kazuki Edward Reeves; great-granddaughters Kaitlyn Opland and Sachi Madison Reeves; brother Henry Glennon; nephews Bill Hudak and Wayne Glennon; and niece Kathy Wise. Edward was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Eleanor. A memorial service will be held at Wiefels Chapel at 690 S. Vella Rd., Palm Springs, on Sunday, April 22 at 3 p.m. Refreshments will be served after the service at The O'Donnel Golf Club in Palm Springs at 301 North Belardo Road. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in honor of Edward Glennon to Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, 47518 Van Buren St., Indio, Calif. 92201.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit mydesert.com/obituaries