Edison W. Tecco Sr.

On February 16, 2014, Edison W. Tecco Sr. passed away at the age of 90. He was preceded in death by Betty, his wife of over 55 years. He is survived by his loving children, Gina Fought (Dr. Stephen), Edison W. Tecco Jr. (Maureen McGrellis), Mark Tecco (Joseph Hradisky), and Mia Hare (Chas); Cherished grandfather of CJ Hare.

Mr. Tecco, a first generation American and the 9th of 14 children, was born on August 31 1923 to Joseph A. and Anna Tecco. His parents emigrated from Italy to Ohio where his Dad found work in a steel mill. His mother died in childbirth. After her death, the younger children were taken in by other families or, in Mr. Tecco’s case, moved to a Children’s Home. He grew up there and, when he reached 18, entered college.

With World War II underway he decided to leave college and enlist in the Marine Corps to do his part to protect the country that had given his family freedom and opportunity. He served in the 1st Marine Division, Pacific, and made it to Pelelieu where he was preparing to be part of the invasion force for the Island of Japan when the Japanese surrendered.

After the war, he returned and reentered college where he graduated from Georgetown University then worked as an investigator for the Civil Service Commission, and eventually a hearing examiner and Equal Opportunity specialist within the federal government system for the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health. In the 1960’s, and consistent with the value he placed on individual freedom, he volunteered to work registering Blacks to vote in the South. He made 12 trips to Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana during the height of those efforts.

In his retirement he was an active member and leader of the Maryland Chapter of the 1st Marine Division Association, serving for over 20 years as their Treasurer. He was also a member of VFW Post 6458 and the American Legion.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2014, 10am at the Our Lady of Victory Roman Catholic Church, 4414 Wilkens Ave., Baltimore, MD 21229, where he has been a member for over 50 years. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the church. Arrangements entrusted to the Sterling Ashton Schwab Witzke Funeral Home of Catonsville.