Obituary of Edward H. Shamagasi

Edward H. Shamagasi, 83, of Freehold, died peacefully Monday, August 16, at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township, surrounded by family and friends. Born on a farm in Jamesburg, he was a graduate of its High School Class of 1944 and had resided in Freehold Borough the rest of his life. He was a proud U.S. Navy veteran of World War II serving in Saipan, Japan, in the Mariana Islands as a Seabee. He was a long time member of the Freehold Elks BPOE Lodge No. 1454, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4374, and American Legion Post No. 54. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Monmouth College and his Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken. He retired from the U.S. Government and worked at Ft. Monmouth’s CECOM, the Army communications-Electronics Command which allowed him the travel to Spain, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Japan. Ed was a loyal man who cultivated life-long friendships and enjoyed years of fun on the beaches of the Jersey Shore and many vacations in the Caribbean. He was a very knowledgeable automobile enthusiast and loved caring for his vintage Cadillac. He was predeceased by his parents, Astor and Naomi Shamagasi and his brother, George. Surviving are his loving sister, Louise Shamagasi Kip of Freehold; a devoted niece, Luanne Kip of Point Pleasant; the extended family of Lois Kip Borden; and his long time love, Helen Hnilicka, formerly of Freehold who now resides in Georgia and will miss him terribly. The viewing will be held at the Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center Street, Freehold on Thursday from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. The interment will follow at Old Tennent Cemetery, Tennent. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the charity of your choice or the First United Methodist Church, 91 West Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728 would be appreciated. Higgins Memorial Home, Freehold, is in charge of arrangements.