Charles E., “Ed” Firth

Charles E., “Ed” Firth, 80, of Elizabethtown, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday July 8, 2017 after a lengthy illness.

He was married to his loving wife Joan A. (Roach) Firth, celebrating 58 years of marriage.

Born in Chester, he was the son of the late Dr. Albert J. and late Irene (Gibson) Firth. “Ed” as he was affectionately known, served in the Air Force during the Korean War. He was a manager for Sun Oil Co. for 25 years, a Director of Transportation for the Garnet Valley School District, and then was a self-employed Critical Shipment driver for Fed-Ex. Most recently he enjoyed being a shuttle bus driver for the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown where he was a resident.

Ed was an avid music lover and musician. In his early years he was part of the musical trio, The Fabulons, playing the organ. He was also an accomplished pianist and could be found playing piano at most gatherings of friends and family. He was a passionate sailor, and spent summers off the coast of the Jersey Shore, but could also be found navigating the waters of the Caribbean. He also had in recent years flown small aircraft, as he pursued obtaining his pilot’s license. In addition, he was a proud Philadelphia fan and enjoyed both the Eagles and Phillies, and most of all, watching the games with his family.

In addition to his wife Joan, Ed is survived by his loving family; son, C. Edward (Ed) Firth and his wife Michele of West Chester, Joan (Firth) Satchell and her husband Daniel of Garnet Valley, PA, and three grandchildren, Colby Firth, Shawn Satchell and Melissa Satchell. Ed is additionally survived by his brother, Albert Firth of Manassas, VA, and his sister Audrey (Firth) Novotny and her husband John, of Lawrence KS.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to his Celebration of Life Service at the John S. Sell Memorial Chapel on the grounds at Masonic Village, on Thursday July 13, 2017 at 2:00 PM.

Inurnment with military honors will be in the Sell Columbarium. There will be a time of visitation with the family on Thursday at Sell Chapel from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ed’s name, to the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown for the Masonic Village Hospice Care Fund, c/o Office of Gift Planning, 1 Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022.

Buch Funeral Home, Inc., Mount Joy PA is in charge of arrangements. To send the family on-line condolences, please visit www.BuchFuneral.com