Edward M. Anderson, Jr., 95, a lifelong resident of Center Township, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2020 at his residence.

Born in Center Township (Monaca), he was the son of the late Edward M., Sr. and Mary (Biskup) Anderson. With a strong desire to serve his country, Ed left home and entered the U S Army Air Corps at the tender age of 18. During his years of active duty, he proudly served with the Burma Bridge Busters in World War II.  A strong provider to the family he loved, Ed was a carpenter by trade and also was employed at the Monaca Post Office from where he retired as the Postmaster with 29 years of service.  In addition to his work, Ed was actively involved in many organizations within the community. Ed was a member of the North Branch Presbyterian Church, Center Township and a member and Past Master of the Monaca-Center F & A.M. Lodge # 791.  A proud moment was when he was bestowed the honorary Scottish Rite 33^rd Degree for his meritorious service to craft masonry. Ed was also a member of the Valley of New Castle Scottish Rite Consistory; a member and Ambassador and Past Deputy of Syria Shrine; a member and past President of Beaver County Caravan – Syria Shrine;  member and past president of Monaca-Center Fraternity Club;  member and past Commander  of the Center Township VFW Post # 1821;  and past President of the former  Monaca-Center Lion’s Club.

Ed also held many special interest and hobbies. Born with a natural gift for music, he learned to play the organ, banjo, accordion, harmonica and piano. For many years, Ed shared his musical gifts by playing the organ for Masonic meetings and  enjoyed performing for small functions throughout the community. He also was very talented in carpentry skills and fashioned a wide variety of projects and materials for the Masonic lodge, the church, his own home as well as the homes of his children.

Ed was united in marriage to Ada Mae (Close) and shared 76 years of marriage. Together they raised three children, a daughter, Sandy (Bill) Casto of Chippewa Township, two sons, Edward (Chris) Anderson of Georgetown and the late Danny Anderson. Ed also leaves numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, special nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

In addition to his parents, Edward was preceded in death by a son Danny Anderson in 1992, and two sisters; Georgia Grogg and Mary Weigel Brobeck.

A private visitation and service was held at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca followed by burial in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, Rochester.

Memorial contributions may be made in Edward’s memory to North Branch Presbyterian Church, Monaca, Good Samaritan Hospice, Valencia, PA or Shriners Hosptial, Pittsburgh, PA.

There is no doubt that  Ed will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his many special loved ones. Due to the current pandemic, a public memorial gathering to honor Ed’s life will be planned at a later date.