Samuel Theodore Lewis Edwards, 88, peacefully passed away Thursday, March 24th, 2016 after his short battle ALS. He leaves behind his loving wife, Pat, of West Grove
Sam began his long life in Collingswood, New Jersey, the second son of Bob and Louise Edwards. He spent his early years in Collingswood, and honed his skills and passions as a hunter and fisher with his father and uncles in Central PA. These skills would serve as his anchor and define who he was to all who knew him throughout his life.
He attended Rutgers University, and worked at a YMCA Camp in Medford Lakes in the summers where he met, and eventually married Pat. He enlisted in the Marines, later transferred to the Navy, and was stationed in California. He was a decorated veteran of the Korean War and served as an Hospital Corpsman Second Class.
After serving his country in Korea, he and Pat moved to the family farm in Concordville where they built the biggest sheep farm east of the Mississippi. Love of family drove all he did. Sam served on the vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church of Concordville, was elected as Chairman of Concord Township Supervisors, and worked tirelessly as a coach for his children’s baseball teams at Brandywine Youth Club.
Sam and Pat moved to West Grove, PA where he continued to serve as a role model for all who knew him. The love of family, hunting, fishing, and nature were passed on to children and grandchildren. Sam and Pat never missed attending sports activities for their seven grandchildren, and became surrogate grandparents to many of the grandchildren’s friends.
When Sam and Pat moved to Chadds Ford, PA, a new generation was able to use him as a model for their lives. Now Great Grandchildren were taught to model their lives after Pop Pop. Sam and Pat attended the sports activities of their great grandchildren, and Sam loved passing on the love of nature to them.
Sam is loved and survived by his wife Pat, his daughter Cathy, and husband Ken, of New London PA; son Brad and wife Leslie of Landenberg PA; and son Rick and wife Debra of Chadds Ford, PA. He was a beloved Pop Pop to his seven grandchildren and their spouses; and nine great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 Saturday afternoon, April 9th, 2016 at the New London Presbyterian Church (Old Church), 1986 Newark Road (Route 896), New London, PA. His Memorial service will follow at 3:00. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in honor of Sam Edwards, may be made to the ALS foundation, ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter 321 Norristown Road, Suite 260 Ambler, PA 19002
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.
Arrangements by the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, Kennett Square.
