Edward "Ed" Ralph Hoover

Edward “Ed” R. Hoover, a beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on January 23, 1936, in Scranton, Pennsylvania to James and Mildred Hoover, Ed grew up in Binghamton, New York, where he fostered a lifelong spirit of adventure and resilience.

After graduating high school, Ed honorably served his country as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division in the U.S. Army. His military service laid the foundation for a life filled with courage and determination. Following his time in the service, he moved to Colorado to pursue his passion for skiing and adventure with his best friend, Henning Nilsen.

Determined to further his education, Ed returned home to earn degrees in mechanical engineering and business. He launched his career in the commercial HVAC industry and eventually became Vice President of the Carrier Distributorship in Denver. In 1985, he realized his entrepreneurial dream by founding his own company, Hoover Associates, which he led as President until his retirement at the age of 81.

Ed’s personal life was equally rich. He was married to Dawn Cleary for 38 years and together they raised two daughters. After their separation, they cultivated an enduring friendship that lasted for 22 years. In 2004, Ed moved to Georgetown, Colorado, where he became an active member of the community, volunteering with the Board of Selectmen, Historical Georgetown Inc, singing in the community choir and driving his Model A in the July 4th parade.

A man of many interests, Ed enjoyed a wide range of hobbies. He was an avid woodworker, crafting beautiful furniture for his family. He spent countless hours caring for his classic cars, including a Model A and a TR4 Triumph, and riding his beloved Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Music was one of Ed’s greatest passions. A member of a band during his college years, he continued to celebrate his love for music throughout his life. He played multiple instruments, including the banjo, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, ukulele, and accordion. One of his cherished pastimes was playing his banjo with the Grumpy Jam at the Alpine Inn in Georgetown. Following a stroke at 81 that affected his strumming hand, Ed gracefully adapted by embracing the harmonica, demonstrating his unwavering love for music and ability to overcome adversity.

Some of his happiest moments were spent at the family cottage in Canada, where he taught his grandkids to restore boats, waterski, and play music together. These family gatherings created lasting memories and deepened the bonds he cherished with his grandchildren and extended family including Dianne, Gordon, Scott, Keith and Jillian Burley.

Ed is survived by his ex-wife and best friend, Dawn Cleary; daughters Mari (Stewart) Sallo and Maureen (Dan) Sabin; and grandchildren Mia, Ryan, Charlie, and Ava. He will be deeply missed by his family and the many friends whose lives he touched with his strength, humor, and persevering spirit.

A memorial service for Ed will be held Friday, August 15, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary & Cemetery, 6601 South Colorado Blvd, Centennial, CO 80121, followed by a reception from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to The American Stroke Association https://www.stroke.org/en/about-the-american-stroke-association