He was born in McCracken, Kansas, in 1921, to Jacob John and Rose Marie Quint. He was one of 11 children and grew up in St. Joseph, Missouri. He graduated from Christian Brothers High School in 1939. From 1944-1950 he attended Cornell College (Military studies), St. Joseph Jr. College, then went on to finish his college education at University of Kansas, where he was a member of Phi Kappa fraternity, and University of Missouri, before beginning his long career as a civil engineer. He was a life-long student and returned to Seattle Community College in 1969-71 for additional Engineering studies. He also became a certified Scuba Diver for inspecting underwater engineering projects.
In 1942, at age 21, Ed enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He bravely served in WWII as a Radio-Gunner in the Central Pacific Combat areas. At age 23, as a Marine Sergeant, he was attached to the famous ‘Ace of Spades’ Marine dive bombing squadron, Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, based in Majuro atoll in the Marshall Islands. He participated in over 50 dive bombing missions in a Douglas SBD Dauntless Airplane over the atlas of Mille, Maloelap, Watje, and Jaluit. He was cited for “Coolness, ability and courage…”. He also served in the Korean Conflict.
Ed’s career began as a Resident Engineer for Seattle City Light’s Skagit Hydroelectric Project in the 1950’s. He lived at the camp at Newhalem, Washington, where he worked on the construction of the Ross, Gorge, and Diablo Dams. He worked long weeks at a time, and on a free weekend, he and his friends would drive to Vancouver, Canada, for fun and relaxation. At a dance club in Vancouver he met the love of his life, Grace Harper. They were married in November of 1955. Theybegan their life together in Newhalem, started their family, and made lifelong friends. His next job took them to Mossyrock, Washington and finally to Bellevue, Washington where he was employed as an Engineer for the Municipality of Metropolitan Seattle from 1966 until retiring in 1987.
Ed was a devoted Catholic and a man of deep faith. He was a loving husband, amazing Dad, a great Uncle, and a beloved Grandfather to his four grandchildren.
He loved his family and friends, but no light shone brighter in his life than his beautiful bride, Grace. He was devoted to her and loved her dearly for nearly 65 years. He said the happiest day of his life was the day he got married!
He will be remembered for his kindness, gentleness and, of course, his playful sense of humor. We will miss his smile and the twinkle in his eye.
Ed is survived by his wife, Grace, daughters, Karen Kozol (John), and Patti Cofano (Russ), his four grandchildren, John Kozol, jr., Christy Cofano, Anthony Cofano, and Hunter Kozol, and his brother Robert Leo Quint of St. Joseph, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, donations be made in his name to Overlake Hospital Foundation at 1035 116th Ave. NE, Bellevue, Washington. https://www.overlakehospital.org/giving/make-a-gift
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