Edward F. Garthwaite III

Ed, known to his childhood family as “Eddieboy”, was born March 4, 1942 to Theresa Chiumento and Edward Garthwaite II. He grew up in Roselle Park, NJ in what he lovingly referred to as the “Italian Ghetto” because his large extended family all lived in the same neighborhood. He called himself “the favorite child” but still managed to have a very close relationship with his siblings, Michael Garthwaite and the late, Kathleen Bergin.

Ed is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 55 years, Joan Garthwaite, their two grown children, Joanna Rooney and Jennifer Wacker, his brother, Michael Garthwaite, and his five grandchildren, Tyler Rooney, Jeremy Wacker, Colton Rooney, Dominic Wacker and Alexandra Rooney, who were the center of his life. He is also survived by many loving cousins, aunts, in-laws and extended family whom he loved dearly.

Ed was a longtime resident of Union, N.J. He graduated from Rutgers University with a bachelor’s degree in history. He worked for the NJ Department of Labor for 42 years where he moved up the ranks and retired as the manager of employment for the Central Jersey district.

He was known for his warm smile and generous spirit. Among the many ways he contributed to his community, he was a volunteer on the Holy Spirit parish soup kitchen ministry, taught CCD, was a coordinator of Junior CYO and Eucharistic Minister at Holy Spirit Church and member of the Union Township planning board. In addition, he made monthly donations to many favorite charities and always invited people into his home, whether for a holiday dinner or for a place to stay.

He cherished family traditions, especially Sunday dinners, where his large extended family gathered for wine, macaroni, meatballs and gravy ( never called “sauce”). He credited his family growing up for his love of singing, performing in shows, playing games, Italian music and gambling.

Ed loved life. He loved cheering on the Rutgers sports teams, watching his grandsons play baseball, and picking his fantasy football team with his grandkids. He loved watching movies and discussing them, especially any film with Janet Leigh (he owned her whole DVD collection). He loved eating at restaurants and going on vacations and researching the places he wanted to try. He loved music and could often be heard singing along to songs by Connie Francis, Eddie Fischer or one of his favorite musicals. He loved dancing and at an event could usually be found tearing up the dance floor with his wife, Joan. In his later years, through his granddaughter, he found a love of Tik Tok and was proud to share their videos together on Facebook. He prided himself on having good style and liked dressing up, but he also valued a comfortable pair of pants. He loved celebrations and drinking Cosmopolitans and as the self-proclaimed family bartender, was always excited for mixing new drinks on the holidays.

Most of all Ed loved family, and he connected with each member of the family in a way that they knew they were loved. His love of life and kind spirit will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him, but life will not be the same without his bright light.

The visitation is Thursday 4pm-8pm at McCracken Funeral Home in Union and the funeral mass will be held on Friday at Holy Spirit Church at 10:30am in Union followed by interment at Graceland Memorial Park, Kenilworth, NJ.

The family welcomes donations to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation as an expression of sympathy instead of flowers.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McCrackenFuneralHome.com for the Garthwaite family.