Edward William Mehl

Edward William Mehl, Jr., 86, was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and a proud U.S. Navy veteran. He died peacefully on August 15, 2023, after a heroic battle with ALS. In his final days he was surrounded and comforted by family and a devoted care team at the Perry Point VA hospice.

Born September 23, 1936, he was son the of the late Edward, Sr. and Grace Mehl. He was predeceased by his first wife Rosemary, brother Tom Mehl, and sons Fred Mehl and Billy Topper. He is survived by his loving wife Patricia and children Anna and Steve Mock, Edward III and Valerie Mehl, Robert Mehl and Michael de Andrade, Diane and Steve Hall, Mary Pat Poist, Kathy and Michael Stesch, Robert and Rose Topper, and Jeanne Topper and Anne Asbury. He was the proud and loving grandfather to Rachael, Ryan, Rosemary (Jason), Edward IV (Cristina), Jaclynn, Briana (AJ), Wes (Maire), Richy, Zachary, Colin, Bridget (Andrew), Colleen (Alex) Megan (Jen), Christina, Caroline, Grace, and Rowan, and adoring great grandfather to Dustin, Deja, Eddie V, Josie, Julia, Margaret, and Marion. He is also survived by his brother Richard and sister Terri, many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Ed most enjoyed spending time with family. He was proud of his Italian American heritage, into which he was born, and his honorary Irish American heritage, into which he married. He was loved by everyone he met. He knew no strangers and had a wonderful way of making people feel welcomed, appreciated and instantly at ease.

He was a tractor-trailer driver for 45 years, working for Western Auto and Ace Hardware. He was a Baltimore Colts and Ravens fan, working part time as a security guard during home games for many years. After retiring, he worked part time for Baywood Golf Club and Weis grocery store.

Ed was a graduate of Mount Saint Joseph High School, class of 1955. He was patriotic and a proud Navy Veteran who enjoyed sharing stories of his time serving aboard the U.S.S. Norris. For the last 25 years, he published newsletters and organized reunions for his shipmates. He was also a member of the Tin Can Sailors and Catholic War Veterans.

Ed was much more comfortable lending a helping hand than receiving one. He was head usher at St. Ann Catholic Church in Bethany, Delaware and a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and the Special Olympics. He often hosted disabled veterans at his home in the summer.

He and his wife Pat were avid world travelers. They also enjoyed camping, establishing lifelong friendships with the members of their camping club, and relaxing on their boat Garlic and Gaelic. Ed was always on the go, working, volunteering, riding his bike, or woodworking in his garage. Some of his other adventures, included skydiving, a hot air balloon ride, and a mock airplane “dogfight.”

A Mass of Christian burial celebrated by family friend Father Paschal Morlino will be held Saturday, August 26, at 10 am at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 2612 Wilkens Avenue, Baltimore. Following the Mass, the family will receive visitors at the church and at a reception at Matthew’s 1600, Ellicott Room, 1600 Frederick Road, Catonsville. Interment with military honors will be held on a later date at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery, Owings Mill, MD.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ed may be made to the Perry Point VA Medical Center Hospice, Voluntary Services/135, Perry Point, MD 21902 (Checks should be made to VAMHCS with Hospice Account 1053 and Edward Mehl, Jr, noted on the memo line) or the ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia, 321 Norristown Rd, Ste. 260, Ambler, PA 19002 or online at ALSPhiladelphia.org.