Edward Charles Van Loan

Edward (Ted) C. Van Loan Jr., born March 19, 1945, to Edward C. Van Loan Sr. and Charlotte Stiglitz Van Loan of Westvale New York, passed away on December 24, 2025, at home with his family by his side.

Ted was born and raised in Westvale, a suburb of Syracuse, NY. He attended Cherry Rd School and Solvay High School where he was a standout athlete in baseball and basketball. After graduation Ted attended the Manlius School to improve his grades and SAT results. Following in his grandfather and father’s footsteps, he attended Colgate University. Before he was able to complete his degree, he was drafted into the Army and stationed at Fort Dix, NJ for Basic training and AIT. He was assigned to a tank brigade in Germany but much of his time was spent playing basketball for the brigade team. February 1968 brought the Tet Offensive in Vietnam, resulting in many American deaths and forcing Ted’s brigade to enter the war. Ted volunteered to join the Recon platoon with the 82nd Airborne Division. For nine months Ted humped the jungles in A Shau Valley. On December 7,1968 one of his men stepped on a land mine, killing himself and gravely wounding Ted. He spent the next 5 months in hospitals in Vietnam, Japan, and finally Walter Reed in Washington D.C.

For his perseverance he was awarded the Bronze Star, The Purple Heart, The Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and most importantly his wings from General Bolling. Airborne All The Way.

Ted returned to the Syracuse area, finishing his degree at Colgate in Social Sciences. He relocated to Miami, Florida where he began his career as a social worker with Veterans Services. He became the director of the Veterans Services in Miami where he created several programs and helped countless veterans rebuild their lives. He received multiple awards and recognition for his tireless work with the veterans. Ted’s greatest love was his three daughters. He was a devoted father always there when they needed him. He had a passion for sports and coached countless soccer teams over the years. He loved his soccer girls like family. He enjoyed golf, traveling, a great cigar, and a good glass of wine in his retirement years. Ted is preceded in death by his mother Charlotte and his father Edward. He is survived by his three daughters, Nikki (Victoria) Van Loan, Tiffany (Carrie) King-Borghi, Robin (David) Barquero, grandchildren Norah, Patricia, Storm, Josiah, and Elias, countless soccer family, his best friend John Sanzo and his ex-wife and friend Verdell Van Loan.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held at 2pm on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Fred Hunters Funeral Home in Hollywood. Arrangements are being handled by Fred Hunters Funeral Home.

The family of Ted wishes to extend our sincere thanks to our hospice caseworkers and nurses along with our family and friends.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, Colgate University, or The Department of Veterans Affairs.