Edward G. “Ed” Blomquist
October 10, 1956 - January 21, 2024
Edward G. “Ed” Blomquist, age 67, of Middletown, DE, passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2024.
Born in Philadelphia, PA, on October 10, 1956, he was the son of the late Fred Robert Blomquist and Helen (Breen) Kendzior. Ed was a graduate of Clearview Regional High School (Mullica Hill, NJ) and would ultimately receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Saint Joseph’s College (Standish, ME). Ed worked for Mitsubishi Motors, was a small business owner, and retired from Scotts Company shortly after moving to Delaware. Ed had a knack for sales and his personality was infectious – some would say he could “sell sand to a beach”.
Ed met the love of his life, Joanne, when they were teenagers, working at Kmart together. In 1981 they got married and started their lives together. In 1984, Ed and Joanne welcomed their first son, Jeffrey, into the family. In 1985, they welcomed their second son, Daniel. The birth of Ed’s sons was the beginning of a life of self-sacrifice for his family. For years, Ed and Joanne selflessly carted their sons around between sporting events and marching band tournaments, among other endeavors. In his downtime, he was a loving father and husband who put his family’s hobbies and interests above his own.
Ed loved to take the family on trips, especially weekend crabbing and flounder fishing trips around the New Jersey shore area. Ed would be the first to tell you, and Joanne would always remind him, that his “fishing trips” often turned into a feeding frenzy for the fish. Ed enjoyed the beach, taking annual family trips to the Jersey Shore.
As Jeff and Dan grew into adults, the family trips continued and everyone began to share in Ed’s hobbies. Ed loved to golf and got his first birdie after his cancer diagnosis. Ed loved to fish and often told stories of his fishing excursions to the Outer Banks with friends. True to his love of the beach, annual Blomquist family vacations to places like Myrtle Beach, the Outer Banks, and Ocean City became mainstays and something all looked forward to doing. Ed enjoyed taking trips with Joanne, attending Flyers games with Dan, and going to concerts with Jeff. Ed loved a good hockey game or music concert, but his real joy was sharing the time with his family and friends at those events.
Ed had a love of beer, bourbon, and food. Many nights were spent with friends and family eating at restaurants, drinking by the chiminea, or meeting up for a beer to talk about life. If there wasn’t a Phillies game to watch, he spent much of his time reading, especially about the Presidents and American History.
Ed became a grandparent in 2017, and again in 2019. It was evident that Ed loved his grandchildren, Leni and Ian, more than most things in this world. After his diagnosis, Ed made it his mission to experience Disneyworld with them – in January 2023, he was able to do it.
Ed had a personality that would light up a room. Everyone who met him, loved him. Everyone who knew him, will miss him very much. Cherish the memories and remember the good times that you shared with him – that is what he would want most.
In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his sister Theresa Wilkens. He is survived by his wife, Joanne (Levrault) Blomquist; his sons, Jeffrey (Allison Newth) Blomquist and Daniel (Meghan) Blomquist; his grandchildren, Leni Blomquist and Ian Blomquist; and his sisters, Kathleen Blomquist, Margaret Reardon, and Barbara Blomquist.
The family is proud to share that Edward donated his corneas to The Gift of Life Program, a foundation that aims to provide assistance to those in need of tissue and organ transplant. His contributions to his family, friends, and even strangers knew no bounds.
All services will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the following charities: the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or online by clicking here; The Gift of Life Donor Program, 401 N. 3rd. St., Philadelphia, PA 19123 or online by clicking here; or a local food bank near you.
“Grief never ends, but it changes. It is a passage, not a place to stay.
Grief is not a sign of weakness nor a lack of faith: it is the price of love.”
-Elizabeth I
Mike Canonica
I met Ed almost 50 years ago when we worked at Kmart. He was Ed from candy and I was Mike from toys. We were crazy kids back then and shared some great times. To this day, he remains the funniest and most charming man I ever knew. He will be greatly missed.
Michael VanWyk
I sure was sorry to hear about Ed’s passing. Lived down the street, growing up on Phoenix Ave. in Centre City. Had some really fun and crazy times back then. Kinda lost track after I joined the Navy, but I appreciated Ed making the trip down to Charleston, SC for my wedding in 1980. I wish I had known about his trips to Myrtle Beach, since that’s only an hour or so away. He had an awesome personality, and was always the life of the party. I’m sure he was a great husband, father, and grandfather. My good thoughts and prayers for his family.
Frank Doherty
Hello Joanne, Dan, Jeff and the entire Blomquist family. I am so sorry for your loss of such a wonderful man. Ed had such an impact on me when I first met him at Scotts 9 years ago and I know everyone else who met him at Scotts. My only regret is that I did not meet him earlier in my life. Joanne, I will treasure meeting you back in September in Atlantic City where you, Ed, Gene and I got to rumble through old war stories and to catch up with Ed. Ed will forever be in my heart and I will always remember his Big Smile, great stories(he was an amazing story teller) and zest for life.
Jim Griffin
Joanne, Jeff, Dan, and your entire family first let me the shock when I heard of Ed’s passing not knowing that he was sick. We had so many good times the ( Northbrook gang) for years our friendship was amazing. We always helped one another when needed we also knew how to party when needed. Ed always was a good story teller and after a few beers the stories got better. His love for all of you was the biggest part of his life. Ed was one guy that I was happy to have known and I considered him a friend. I had no idea he and the family moved to Delaware. I wish I would have had the chance to talk with him and that’s my fault. I’m so so sorry about his passing and Joanne you married one of the good guys and I know you know that and boys your dad was the best. Be proud of all the things he did with you guys. They may have taken Dad but the one thing that nobody can take away are ALL the great memories with him. God Bless everyone of you, Lesa and I will pray for you and the family
Mary Anuw
Joanne, Jeff, Dan, and Family,
We were so deeply saddened to hear of Ed’s passing. Your beautiful tribute really captures the essence of your beloved husband and father. We are blessed with so many wonderful memories of our times together on Northbrook. I remember the subject of “butter cake” came up at one barbeque and Ed was shocked that we didn’t know what that was. He immediately sent Dan to Shop Rite to get one. Dan returned and Ed was so right — it was delicious! Ed loved people and had such a zest for life. At Elizabeth’s wedding, he took on the task of making sure Vince was never without a drink in his hand. Vince was happy to reciprocate at Dan’s wedding. A true friend. A true gentleman. A truly good man. We are all better for having known him.
Doug Crossland
I met Ed about 4-5 years ago , through his son Dan. I work at the barbershop where Dan has been coming to me for quite awhile now and Dan had been telling me for sometime that he was going to bring his dad in to get a haircut. That day finally came when Ed walked into the shop and ever since then he was a regular. And when I say regular we are talking every two weeks Ed would come through to get cleaned up. We would talk about the local sports teams, politics and he would always fill me in on his new favorite alcoholic beverage. He always brought a smile to my face whenever he came in. He was always in a good mood and always so positive. I ALWAYS looked forward to seeing him , he was truly a great man I will miss him dearly. My prayers go out to his family 🙏
James Sadler jr
My heart and prayers go out to the Blomquist family.
He certainly was one of a kind. A contagious smile, I have many good memories with him Rest in peace my friend 🙏
Robert Galante
Everyone loved Ed, everyone. Ed was a pleasure to be around always laughing , smiling and kind. I am honored to have grown up with Ed and to be friends. My love to Ed and his family and my deepest condolences. Life moves very fast…and when time passes, we will perish and shall enter the Gates of Heaven and with GOD by our side.
Bobby G love brother, watch over all of us ANGEL OF GOD ❤️
Beth Straw
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Ed was a remarkable human being. He filled the room with laughter. He was a bright light at Scotts. He will be missed by so many. May you feel God’s arms of comfort continually surround you.
Kathy Billingsley
The family is in my prayers. Ed was one of the good guy. So many memories, he was more than a co-worker, he was a friend.
Terri Hamilton
My most heartfelt sympathy. Ed was one of a kind, I worked with Ed at Scotts. You could always count on a good laugh when talking with Ed, he was the best! What a beautiful legacy he left behind.
Al D'Alonzo
So sorry to hear about Ed’s passing. Condolences to the Blomquist family.
🙏🙏🙏
Amy Hartman
My deepest sympathies to the whole family! Ed had a laugh that was absolutely contagious and I’m so glad that we were able to share in beers, music, food and laughs!!!
Thank you both for helping us navigate into Jersey lifestyle. He was so proud of everything and loved sharing his humor with everyone he met!
He left everyone feeling a little better each time we met and always made us smile!
You are all in my thoughts and prayers! Love Always, Bob and Amy
Patti Westfall
I worked with Ed at Scott’s.
He would light up any event or room just for being himself. He never knew a stranger and made everyone feel special.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. May you cherish the found memories you share.
He will be surely missed by all.
Angela Friedrich
Joanne,I just heard of Eddie’s passing.I am so very sorry for your family’s lost.I remember when you and Ed started dating at Kmart.We had so much fun together. I remember when he left his jacket at our house, it was here for years.He was a great man.God bless you and your family.
Angela Friedrich
I am very sad to hear about Ed’s passing.My condolences to you Joanne and boys.I can remember when you first met Ed at kmart.He was a great guy.