Obituary of Edward M. Lewis

Edward M. Lewis, 87, of Freehold died Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at home. He was born in Freehold and was a lifelong resident. He served in the United States Marine Corps in China from 1946 to 1948 and later in the U.S. Army as a First Lieutenant. He was a graduate of Freehold High School and Seton Hall University in 1952. He was a senior analyst for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, New York City where he was employed for 37 years before his retirement. Ed was elected as a Borough of Freehold Councilman in 1967 and served for three years. He was elected as Tax Collector/Treasurer in 1972 and served in that position for 37 years. As treasurer he also served as Freehold School Board Treasurer. He was a member of the New Jersey Tax Collectors and Treasurers Association and served as president of the Monmouth-Ocean Tax Collectors/Treasurers Association from 1989 to 1990. Ed was a communicant of St. Rose of Lima Church, Freehold where he served as an usher and lector. He was a Past Grand Knight of Freehold Council No. 1672, Knights of Columbus; a Past Faithful Navigator of Monsignor Kivelitz General Assembly, 4th Degree; a member of the Philip A. Reynolds Detachment, Marine Corps League; and American Legion Post No. 54, all of Freehold. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing at the former Holland Orchards Golf Club, Marlboro Township He was a N.Y. Giants football fan. He was predeceased by a son, Peter M. Lewis; a sister, Claire Lewis Forman; and a daughter-in-law, Carrie Rupner-Lewis. Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Dolores Brennan Lewis; his children, Deborah A. Hoffman and companion Andrew F. Dale, Kevin L. Lewis, Keith E. Lewis and wife Sandy Lewis, and Betsy Yurowski and husband Dan; a sister, Peggy Lewis Farrell; eight grandchildren, Amanda Reyes, Meghan Lewis, Jessica Lewis, Zachary Lewis, Brian Lewis, Connor Lewis, Melissa Yurowski and Daniel Yurowski.; and many nieces and nephews. His family thanks the Howell Township Police Department and Howell First Aid for their support and service. The viewing will be held at the Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center Street, Freehold on Thursday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Church, Freehold on Friday at 10:30 a.m. followed by entombment at St. Rose of Lima Mausoleum. Memorial donations to School for Special Children Development Office, 1145 Delsea Drive, Westville Grove, NJ 08093 would be appreciated. On Thursday, Marine Corps League services will be held at 7:15 p.m., American Legion Services at 7:30 p.m., and Knights of Columbus services at 7:45 p.m.