Some Personal Thoughts about a Great Man Who Made a Meaningful Difference in My Life 
Edward Wayne Lupus (March 12, 1941  June 25, 2015)

     He was born on an early spring day, in that year when Joe DiMaggio won his second of three MVP Awards with the New York Yankees -- the same year Dolph Camilli would win his first and only award with the Brooklyn Dodgers.  He left us less than two weeks ago, his seventy-fifth summer only barely under way.  After all those seasons, and a whole lot of baseball that he both played and watched, Edward Wayne Lupus earned his own Most Valuable Player Award.  Except his wasn't for the prowess it takes to hit and catch a fairly non-descript, red-stitched ball.  Instead, it was for a lifetime of truly meaningful achievement -- in behalf of his family, friends, and yes, indeed, folks that he barely knew but universally touched. 

     Most of us can't remember all that much when we reach our mid-fifties, then try to recall those early childhood days of five.  I'm blessed.  I enjoy a crystal clear memory of the very moment, at that age, when I met Mr. Wayne.  We had just moved into the neighborhood  Holland Hills and, for the first time I anxiously made my way up our block on Utrecht Road.   There he stood on his front porch, a Phillies cap  atop hit head, about to teach my oldest friend, Barry, a few lessons about the game that meant so much to him, and that would soon enough become such a big part of my own.  I'd never seen a mitt or bat or baseball before, but Mr. Wayne noticed me feeling all alone, and so he quickly called out a hearty invitation to join in the fun.  That moment says a lot of this man we love so much.  His eyes really did twinkle, his personality was naturally and thoroughly cheerful, and he always made time for those new guys on the block  especially the ones that he intuitively knew could use a helping hand, or an encouraging word, or just a simple nodding smile. 

     Over the ensuing years, Mr. Wayne treated me to my first professional baseball game (our O's won it against the Yankees), took me on my first camping trip (in the Shenandoah's, where a black bear visited the camper within minutes of our arrival), instructed me on the game of golf (I could have used a few more lessons from him), and taught me how to clean and eat those famous Chesapeake blue crabs (offering up techniques that I now happily shared with my own family).  Being that I came along before Brian did, I've always counted myself as his second of three sons  and Mr. Wayne and Ms. Hedy certainly have ALWAYS made me feel that way.

     I will miss seeing Mr. Wayne so much more than my paltry words can ever begin to express  particularly his infectious laughter, his witty humor, his wise counsel, and his warm hug.  But, I am comforted knowing that I will feel his presence whenever I put on a ball cap to protect my aging skin, whenever I read the morning box scores from the sports page, and every time I see a stranger reach out to a young kid and offer a word of encouragement.  
     
     My life is so much better, so much fuller, because of a man who welcomed me into his own.  Yes, there are many lives that have been blessed by his, and I believe that Mr. Wayne's legacy is best found within each of us, and therefore, in how we will better touch the lives of others because of him. 

     Godspeed, you dear and courageous and beloved husband, father, grandfather, mentor and friend.  My family -- Michele-Anne, Mary-Catherine, Thomas and I, surely have loved you.

H. McGuire "Mac" Riley
Presented at Mr. Wayne's home on July 5, 2015

Dear Lupus family, Bill and I want to tell you how much Wayne meant to us as a friend and a fellow Orioles fan. We never would have had season tickets these past few years if it had not been for Wayne's generosity and kindness. We only really got together once a year at lunch to split the game schedule and to catch up on what our year had been like. But his life with friends and family as illustrated in the many photos has been a loving and supportive one, and he extended that generosity to us, his Oriole game friends. We know he will be missed by so many and we are among them. Bless you all, and thank you for sharing Wayne with us!

Mr. Wayne had been a part of my life for almost 50 years or at least for long as I can remember. I wasn't Barry's best friend like Mac, or Stacey's best friend like Kathy, and well, Brian was a wee bit young -- but I was always included. Never left out. As an adult, nothing changed.My husband John, and daughters, Heather and Katie, were welcomed into the loving arms of the Lupus family. Thank you. Thank you Mr. Wayne (and Mrs. Hedy) for the cook-outs, camping trips, crab feasts and thousands of other memories. Thank you for endless and unconditional support, encouragement and love.  Sorry I didn't tell you this in person Mr. Wayne. Your untimely passing has taught me not to miss the opportunity to tell others before it's too late. See -- even death can't keep me from learning from you! Until we meet again - it's not good-bye-- just I'll ee ya' later.

Aunt Hedy thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. 
God Bless. 
Samantha Przybylowski Maenner

Dearest Hedy, Stacey, and Family, Ed and I were so sorry to hear this news. God Bless all of you. Ed and Billy Corbett

Hedy and Stacey, and extended family, my sincere sympathy for you loss,  Wayne was so special,  You have so many years of memories to warm your heart.  Speak of Wayne and all of those loving times all the time and he will be with you forever. I am so sorry.  
Love Joanne Sonntag

Dear Brian ,Stacy and Mrs. Hedy I am so sorry for your loss . My condolences to you and your family .

Hope, 
 I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. 
 Love, Jana

Dear Brian, my sincere condolences on the passing of your father.  May his soul rest in perfect peace and may the thoughts of God comfort  you and your family at this time. My prayers are with you.  Sirlyne Ezeugwu

HEDY AND fAMILY, SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT WAYNE, SUCH A SPECIAL MAN.
LOVE TO YOU ALL AND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY
LOVE, BARBARA & RUSS

Love Is enduring...It continues even when the person we love has left us permanently...Your family will never stop loving and thinking of Wayne, which is as it should be.  Our condolence to all, especially Hedy.  My memory of them both is that were always smiling, and enjoyed life...we should learn a life lesson from that.
blessings to all
Dave & Cindy Prosser (Lauraville)

Our family grieves with you and will miss Mr. Wayne so much. Mr. Wayne was like a favorite Uncle and, to my Mother Kitty and Step Dad Bud, a friend who was as close to them as a brother.
May God Bless You and Keep You.
It's not goodbye but, see you later.

Hope you are in my prayers. Hugs! So sorry to hear. Wayne was such a nice guy. Love Denise

OBITUARY

Edward Wayne Lupus

March 12, 1941 – June 25, 2015

Schimunek Funeral Home

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