Edwin Van Loan Tingley Jr.

Edwin Van Loan “Van” Tingley, Jr., 63, of Dauphin, Pennsylvania passed away after a long and tiring battle with diabetes and a stroke that left him unable to enjoy and live life as he loved it best: spent with his family, enjoying sports and avidly, and with great acumen, analyzing and debating the finer points of the political landscape, for which he was widely known. He read many books and faithfully devoured at least three newspapers each day. He loved to write.

A graduate of John Harris High School class of 1969, he played football and basketball. He was also a graduate of Harrisburg Area Community College and had attended Bloomsburg University. Van was active in sports his entire life and for many years played on local softball teams. He also coached basketball for his children’s youth teams. He was a great supporter of Central Dauphin East High School athletics and in particular, its football teams where he greatly enjoyed watching all the players, and in particular his two sons, along with his daughter who was a cheerleader. He was very loyal and supportive of the teams and participated in their booster clubs for many years. He was often found on the sidelines for practices.

Van was an avid Penn State Nittany Lion supporter his entire life and had the unusual ability of being able to recall the most minute details from games dating back as far as the late 1960s. It was not unusual for people to call him to ask him details about previous games and teams. He also enjoyed calling newspapers and radio shows when they got details wrong and upon checking his claims, he was always right. He was also a life-long lover of the New York Yankees and the New York Giants and never missed a game. He enjoyed listening to baseball on a radio while sitting in his car. He shared his love of sports with his sons. He served in the U. S. National Guard for 12 years in its armored tank division.

He was most recently employed as an area manager with Cleveland Cotton products and loved serving his clients and getting to know them. He was well respected in his company and won numerous awards.

Van was a man of great intelligence and possessed a very keen wit. He was a man who loved his family above all else. He is survived by his wife of almost 34 years, Debra Staples Tingley, who in his final days, reminded her constantly that he loved her very much. Together they had four children who survive Van: Edwin Van Loan Tingley III of Linglestown; Jordan Marie Tingley of Harrisburg; Drew Aaron Tingley of Harrisburg; and his youngest daughter, Alexandra Elizabeth Tingley of Highspire, with whom he greatly enjoyed Christmas shopping each year. Additional survivors include his much beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Lucky Fisher, who was often a companion in the front seat of his car; his sister-in-law Julie A. Roksandic, with whom he shared a long and special bond; her daughter and his niece, Brianne E. Roksandic, a student at Penn State University; his brother-in-law John A. Roksandic with who he shared many laughs; and his mother-in-law Shirley E. Staples of East Stroudsburg, PA. He also has several nieces and nephews residing in the Pocono Area. His childhood friends survive him and they remained close friends his entire life.

He was predeceased by his brother Neal Tingley and his very much loved parents, Edwin Van Loan Tingley and Kathryn Vassil Tingley.

Born November 26, 1951 in Harrisburg Hospital, he was a life-long resident of Harrisburg, but divided his time between homes here and in Hop Bottom, Pennsylvania at his family’s other home. He had many friends in Hop Bottom and enjoyed his time living there in the summers. He was of the Methodist faith.

Services will be held 1:30 pm Friday, January 23, 2015 at Neill Funeral Home 3501 Derry Street. Viewing will be from 12:30 pm to time of service.

Burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery Harrisburg. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to his wife to assist medical costs..

His spirit, kindness and love of life will live on in the four children he adored so deeply and proudly. God speed to this man, husband, father and friend, where is he is once again able to laugh and to run.