Obituary of Edward J. Marcantonio

Edward J. Marcantonio was born on September 11, 1920, son of Edward and Jennie T, who were immigrants from Chieti and Naples, Italy, respectively. Ed was raised in South Philadelphia, where he attended the Baldwin School, Vare Junior High, and graduated from South Philadelphia High School with highest honors in 1938. Ed then attended Drexel University and worked for the U.S. Army Supply Center (Quartermaster) in South Philadelphia. In 1942 he enlisted in the US Army and served 3 years in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Ed then attended Temple University on the GI bill, graduating with a degree in accounting. After a brief stint with RCA Victor, Ed matriculated, and subsequently graduated from Temple Law School, where he was Associate Editor of the Law Review. Ed had a very successful 40-year career as a civil defense trial attorney during which he was a member of several Philadelphia law firms, most recently practicing at Swartz, Campbell and Detweiler for 25 years until his retirement in 1990. He was a member of the American Bar Association, the Philadelphia Bar Association, and the Italian-American lawyers association. Ed was married to Evelyn (Giangiulio) from 1961 until her death in 2002. In 1962, Ed and Evelyn moved to Abington, PA, where they lived the rest of their lives. Ed became involved in the Abington schools, serving as co-president of the PTA at Overlook Elementary School and president of the Huntingdon Junior High Parent Council. He was also active with the Indian Guides, Cub Scouts, and Boy Scout Troop 72, and received the Baden Powell Award for his years of service to Scouting. He was an active member of Abington Presbyterian Church for over 35 years, serving as an Elder, Trustee, and Chairman of the Evangelism Committee. Also a member of the Shakespeare Club of Montgomery County, he enjoyed singing and acting and participated in several local theatre productions. After retirement, Ed joined RSVP-Retired Seniors Volunteer Program-and gave current events, music, and health education programs at many local retirement communities. He was also a facilitator at Abington Arts Center, encouraging seniors to draw and paint. Ed and Evelyn had a summer home in Wildwood Crest N.J., where Ed was an officer of the Greater Wildwood Yacht Club. In 2003, Ed moved to Rydal Park, where he met, and married Paula Long, also a long time resident of Abington. Ed and Paula loved to walk and talk together. They were active in the Rydal Park Medical Committee, and volunteered frequently in the Medical Center. Ed joined Paula, singing with the Oratorio Choir at Abington Presbyterian Church, and remained active until a few months prior to his death. In addition to his wife Paula, Ed is survived by his son, Dr. Edward R. Marcantonio, daughter-in-law Maryann, and granddaughter, Julia, all of Westwood, Massachusetts, brother Dr. Arnold F. Marcantonio and sister-in-law Shirley of Arizona, and many cousins and in-laws. His memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 4, 2010, Abington Presbyterian Church, Old York and Susquehanna Roads, Abington, where friends will be received after the service. Burial in West Laurel Hill Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Abington Presbyterian Church, 1082 Old York Road, Abington, PA 19001 or to Medical Center Building Fund of Rydal Park, 1515 The Fairway, Jenkintown, PA 19046.