Beldon Edward “Ed” Sterling, Jr.
September 9, 1944 - March 4, 2025
Beldon Edward “Ed” Sterling, Jr., age 80, of New Castle, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
Born in Baltimore, MD on September 9, 1944, he was a son of the late Beldon Edward and Francis (Tull) Sterling, Sr. Ed was a graduate of Smyrna High School. While attending Delaware State College, he joined the band, The Adapters as their lead singer. Ed later began working at ILC as a quality control inspector and testing space suits. In 1972 when the space program ended, he began his career as a Quality Control Manager, Visitation Director, teacher, and coach. His greatest love was that of a soul winner for the Lord. He had a heart for the lost. He was thankful to be a part of singing at 9/11 Memorials and the Memorial Day Services at the Veteran’s Cemetery and his ministry at various nursing homes. Ed retired from Airbourne Express/DHL. He was an avid sports fan and loved coaching his sons! Most of all, he loved the Lord and his family.
In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his siblings, Julia Hensley (Reginald), Jerry L. Sterling (Sandi), and Debby Sterling. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Sandra (Spence) Sterling; sons, Beldon E. Sterling III and his wife Noelle, James A. Sterling, Sr., and Daniel L. Sterling; brother, Michael D. Sterling and his wife, Dawn; 8 grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and his special mother-in-law, Audrey Spence.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 1 pm until 2 pm on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 2 pm.
Any family members or friends who are unable to attend the service for Ed, may live stream the service by clicking here.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ed’s memory to Delaware Autism, 924 Old Harmony Road, Suite 201, Newark, DE 19713 or online by clicking here.
Cheryl Grieten
My dear Aunt Sandy & family, You and Uncle Ed welcomed me into your family and encouraged me in the Lord as a young Believer. It’s no secret Ed could sing. His singing was a Blessing to me. I will always be grateful for your love. Prayerfully,
Cheryl née Newmarker
Einar Bergh
Condolences to Ed’s family from his Norwegian exchange student classmate in Smyrna in 1961-62.
Beverley Blackwell
I love you, Uncle Eddie. You’ll always have a special place in my heart! I know Gram is so happy you are up there with her rejoicing now. I’ll see you again, one day!
Paul & Debbie Shertz
Cousin Sandy, I will always remember visiting your childhood home & Your parents Aunt Dauddy & Uncle Jim along with cousins Vicki & Patty. Ed was always very funny & kind when we got to know him as adults. Our prayers are with you & your family.
Chris spence
Rip Mr Sterling you were awesome man and father you will be deeply missed
Lori Cardenti
To the family of Ed Sterling – you will never know the impact Ed had on me when I worked at Gino’s at 13&40 split. As a teenager, he would stop in and encourage me about coming to church at Fairwinds when he placed an order for food. I will never forget the impact that had on me that he even cared about me or my spiritual life. He was faithful and a good singer.
Charisse Williams
Ed was one of my favorite teachers during my 4 years at Fairwinds Christian School. I remember his soul winning class and the book we used for scripture memorization “Treasurepath to Soul Winning” by J.O. Grooms. I loved my time at Fairwinds Christian School and Fairwinds Baptist Church. It was always such a blessing when Ed would sing with Ted Duncan during services. His family always treated me like one of their own. Ed, I’m looking forward to seeing you again someday.
Betty Goff
Sandy, my heartfelt sympathy for you and the family. Ed was always so nice to me and I did love his singing. I will keep all the family in my prayers.
Jackie Turcotte
My condolences to u Aunt Sandy and to your family…. sending prayers 🙏
Uncle Ed will be very missed but we will never forget him,he will always be in our hearts
Scott E McGarry
I will never forget Coach Sterling. I cannot think of my high school days with out thinking fondly of him. From the treasure path to soul winning classes to his intensity coaching us during a game. He was a large part of what made my senior year in high school so special. My prayers are with the family.
Francis Richards
God bless him, stay strong with the Lord.