Edward C Belfield

Ed was born and raised in Swarthmore, PA. In his senior year of high school he joined the navy, “to see some action”, but after testing, he was told, “Hey, you’re a pretty smart guy, we’re gonna send you to radar school”. Ed was disappointed, as his “action” was limited to aviation radar technician training and counter measures school.

Ed eventually went on to complete his education as a business major at Penn State, using the GI Bill. He was a captain of the lacrosse team and a DU Fraternity member. It was there, in his senior year, that he met Joanne Bauer on a blind date. They were married in 1951.

Ed and Jo lived for many years in Southampton PA, where he worked for a medical equipment company, and they raised three children. He enjoyed camping, bowling and playing bridge.

Ed’s favorite place was New Hampshire. As a boy, he spent many summers there at his aunt’s sprawling Inn on Lake Kolelemook, and later, he and Jo purchased a small cottage on the Lake to enjoy in retirement. Ed and Jo couldn’t agree on where to live out their retirement days, so they split their time between Springfield NH and Sarasota FL, though Ed was able to stretch out his NH half to more like 8 months. Florida was not his jam.

For Ed, New England lake life was a joy. He could routinely be seen walking the 5-mile loop around the lake picking up trash, almost daily, into his late 80s, or out on the lake in his boyhood wooden canoe, fishing at dusk. He volunteered at the local historical society and enjoyed many social events with relatives still scattered along the lake shore. Always up for a hike, Ed even summited the 3,000-foot Mt Kearsarge at 88. He and Jo enjoyed many outings with their outdoor club for seniors, hiking and kayaking all around the state.

It was a sad day for Ed when they sold the cottage on the lake and moved permanently to Sarasota, Florida. But Ed gradually grew used to life at Sunnyside Village and went on to become one of their winningest Bingo players.

Ed will always be remembered for his kind, calm, thrifty and honest personality. “Steady Eddy” was a nickname he lived up to. His work ethic was legendary.

Ed is survived by Joanne, his loving wife of 73 years, their children, Tom and Barbra, grandchildren Ryan, Connor and Liam, and great grand twins Grant and Kennedy. Son Scott passed away in 2008.

Ed will be interred at the Sarasota National Cemetery, with ashes also scattered in New Hampshire.