Edgar Ed George Maloney Jr.

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Edgar George Maloney Jr. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Ed was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

Ed was born at home in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 31, 1931. He was the son of Edgar and Mary Maloney. Ed was raised in Maplewood, Missouri. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Ed was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Ed's personality throughout his life.

Though Ed was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Ed was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Ed worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Ed was raised with 5 siblings. He had an older brother, John, an older sister, Mary, two younger sisters, Virginia and Joan and a younger brother, Michael. Ed and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

For Ed, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Ed was also adept at details. Ed was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. He graduated from Maplewood Richmond High School in 1950.

There was one thing that all of Ed's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Ed was such a popular person throughout his life. But Ed was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Ed was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Ed was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Ed was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Ed was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Ed made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. Later in life, he became friends with Tom and Judy Graves, Tom and Joan Fogarty, Odell Binkeley, Burrell Handy and Angelo Lenetta.

Ed was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Ed cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. He was married in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 12, 1959, to Patricia Bohn. Compassionate and devoted, Ed worked hard to make his new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Ed and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Ed was blessed with one son, Tim. They were also blessed with three grandsons, Ryan, Aaron and Mark. Ed was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. His secret of success in this area was simple: Ed would listen before he would act.

Taking his work seriously came naturally to Ed, and he expected the same from those around him. Ed was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Ed was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Ed handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was as an electrical lineman. He was employed for Union Electric for 15 years and then spent 20 years in the Civil Service. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

Blessed with a practical nature, Ed was a person who appreciated the routine of the military. He was a man who took his obligations seriously, working well with the others in his unit. Ed served in the U.S. Navy. He served on the USS Breckenridge. Ed saw action during the Korean Conflict. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Storekeeper Second Class. He received several awards including the Good Conduct Medal.

A methodical man, Ed enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were computer and reading Naval books.

Ed was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Ed was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Recreational sports included softball. Ed also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were hockey and football.

His keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Ed to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because he was outgoing and worked well with others, Ed did his fair share of volunteer work. And he wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. He was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. Throughout his later years, Ed was an active member of the Knights of Columbus.

His high moral standards and traditional values served Ed well with his faith. Religion and faith were important to him. He was a member of the Catholic Church. During that time, he served by giving communion to those in the hospitals. He was well respected because he was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner he could.

Not only did Ed enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. Favorite vacations included Hawaii and the Phillipines.

Ed was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. His favorites were his two Basset Hounds. He had Pokey for 15 years and Einstein for 12 years.

Since it was easy for Ed to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Ed was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1987. His new life involved relocating to Redlands, California. In retirement, he found new pleasure in computer classes, travel and being active in his church. Even in retirement, Ed stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

Ed passed away on August 1, 2010 at San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital, Banning, California. He fought a brave battle against chronic pulmonary disease and kidney failure. He is survived by his wife, Pat; son ,Tim; grandsons, Ryan, Aaron and Mark; daughter-in-law, Cindy and brother-in-law, Jerry Timper Visitation was held Sunday, August 8, 2010, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, at Weaver Mortuary, 1177 Beaumont Ave, Beaumont, California. Ed was laid to rest Tuesday, August 10, 2010, at 11:00 AM, in Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, California.

Ed was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Ed was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Edgar George Maloney Jr.