Edward H. “Ed” Wirth
January 25, 1934 - May 20, 2024
Edward H. “Ed” Wirth, age 90, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, May 20, 2024.
Born in Allentown, PA on January 25, 1934 he was the son of the late Charles and Rose (Fischl) Wirth. Ed served proudly in the United States Army during the Korean War, stationed in Japan. After his service career he was a graduate of Lehigh University, class of 1960, earning his degree in Mechanical Engineering. Ed began his career at BF Goodrich in the Engineering Development Program and progressed in his career to the roles of Engineering Manager and Plant Manager. He worked at E.A.R. Specialty Composites in Newark until his retirement. He was especially proud of his accomplishments in protecting and keeping his team healthy and safe.
Ed lived a life of service as a community leader and volunteer. In support of his family and friends he dedicated himself to the Persimmon Creek Pool and Swim Club, Arbour Park Civic Association, as President and even Santa Claus for many years. He was an active member in the Pencader Area Heritage Association, Chestnut Hill Iron Pit Preservation (CHIPP), Iron Hill Museum, and the Delaware 50+ Volunteers, where he was awarded for over 3500 hours of volunteer service.
Ed was a social man and enjoyed being a member of the Newark Senior Center. He was awarded the prestigious Jefferson Volunteer Award on two separate occasions for his leadership of the Senior Surfers Computer Club and also as an Advisor to Medicare enrollees. Ed was on the Newark Election Committee and served on many city boards such as his role in developing storm water management in preservation of the Christina Creek.
Most importantly Big Ed/Pop Pop/Dad/Husband loved his family and was happiest while enjoying and filming holiday, family occasions, and grandchildren’s sporting events. He was an avid Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies, and UD Blue Hens sports fan. He enjoyed boating, the beach, travel, and the adventurous life. He consumed history and was most interested in the learnings around World War II as he witnessed the conflict at a young age.
In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by 2 sisters. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Dolores Blatnik Wirth; children, Sharon Henretty (Steve, Sr.), Edward D. Wirth, Sr. (Rachelle), and Dee Tanner (Joe); grandchildren, Amy (Kyle), Alyssa, Steven Jr., Stephanie, Eddie Jr. (Bethany), Cassidy (Hannah), and Joey; and great-grandchildren, James, Kaylee, Noah, Landon, and Sawyer.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am until 12 noon on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 12 noon. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ed’s memory to the Newark Senior Center, 200 White Chapel Drive, Newark, DE 19713 or online by clicking here.
Lloyd A. Hudson,Jr
May Mr. Worth rest well and be at peace
Ann Jennings
I am so sorry for your loss. Ed was a good man. Who always made me feel like part of the family. God bless. Love Annie🙏🏼
Tommy Blatnik
My deepest condolences and love to the entire Wirth clan. My Uncle Ed was always kind and fun to spend time with and I cherish the memories. His obituary here is quite the testament to a life well lived. I wish I could attend his send off but, will be unable to make the trip from the west coast. I’ll be thinking of you all and sending love and virtual hugs. R.I.P. Uncle Ed
Nancy Blatnik
I was so sad to get this news today from Tommy. Aunt Dolores my heart and prayers are going out to and for your whole family. I know we will see him again but until then I’ll hold on to the memories of his constant upbeat personality and ready smile.
I love you all,
Nancy Blatnik ❤️
Randy Blatnik
To the entire Wirth family I am so sorry for your loss. Ed was one of a kind. He was a great man who accomplished much in his life. It was always a hoot talking to Dolores and Ed on the phone. We would bounce from subject to subject and they would have me crying. They were hysterical without knowing they were so funny. Ed was a great brother-in-law to my mom and dad, but for some reason, I always thought of Ed as a blood relative. I will miss him Aunt Dolores. I am so sorry for your loss. Cherish the memories until you are reunited again. Love always, Randy 🙏🙏
Ruthie and Tim Toole
We were saddened to hear of Ed’s passing. Dolores, your memories of your long life together will live forever in your heart. He will be missed.
Robin Broomall
Condolences to Ed’s family from the Delaware Academy of Science. Ed was influential in the development of the Iron Hill Museum and the new Science Center. Many thousands of young students have been enriched because of Ed’s efforts at the museum.
Maureen Minn Tucker
I am so sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. I knew him from the Senior Surfer Computer Club at Newark Senior Center, where he always played a leading and helpful role. We will certainly miss his Medicare guidance, an annual service he a provided. Ed was the epitome of a great citizen and community volunteer. He will be missed.
Elaine Wollaston
Martin has known Ed for years living in Arbour Park. A good neighbor to his family and always asking how’s his Dad doing when he was in his later years. Ed and I enjoyed time together gardening by the entrance to Persimmon Creek pool and park. As you drive past the sign and look at the red maple tree just think of Ed because he planted it there.
My dearest sympathy to Dolores and the family.
Arlene Eckell
Delores….so sorry to hear about Ed’s passing. May he rest in peace and may his memory forever be a blessing to you and the children and grandchildren.
Barbara Ward
Ed was an extraordinary person. Sometimes when one sets something in motion, one
does not know where it will lead. This is experience I will not forget due to Ed.
I worked as an election clerk for a while due to Ed’s recruitment – each election was an adventure.
I call this story: “Superman saves the election in his PJ’s.”
When paying attention, normal events are often extraordinary.
In 2020 the election Judges could not remember the assess code to the church building for that election site.
(It happened to be my sister church the Mill Creek Unitarian Universalist in Pike Creek.)
Yikes! It was 6 am, and dark. Voting must start at 7 am! We had new voting machines!
The election office was called, who contacted a church member to let us in.
Meanwhile, a line formed around church building! People in the line pushed,
shoved and grumbled. They complained about there would be election fraud.
At 6:45 am, still dark with the clock ticking, a man sped up the hill to the church up in a low-slung sports car.
A white man got out of the car dressed in dark slippers, matching red and blue checkered PJ’s and
bathrobe. He frantically ran to the door with the untied bathrobe flapping behind him.
The middle age man entered the code for the door and then flew back to his car;
his cape — the untied red and blue, plaid, bathrobe waving behind him. I silently cheered superman.
Our hero zoom off in his sports car; the pink and orange sunrise peaked thru dark layer clouds
The election workers entered the building and people began voting shortly thereafter.
Superman the saved election in his PJ’s.
This is experience I will never forget due to Ed.
Sharon Menashed
My condolences to the entire family on the passing of a very special person.
Kathleen Malanga
My deepest sympathies to the Wirth family. So sorry for your loss.
Miroslav Majcen
My sincerest condolences to the entire Wirth family. May Mr. Wirth rest in peace.