Ed Aylward passes away

Ed Aylward, one of many families that made the BJ their home away from home, passed away Saturday, July 8.

Brothers Bill and Joe also worked at Ol’ Blue Walls. Their combined service, if you included their dad, was 201 years -- Bill (50 years), Joe (47 years), Ed (46 years),  

John (32 years) and dad, Joseph (26 years).
Their father, Joseph M. Aylward, was BJ circulation manager from 1928 until his death in 1954.
Papa Joe worked at the Pittsburgh Telegraph and Times when he met and married Pittsburgh Hospital nurse Catherine B. “Kit” Aylward. Ed “retired” in 1991 after 46 years at the BJ, as a truck driver and later Circulation District Manager. Then spent the next 14 years in the Record Courier Circulation Department before retiring again.

The late Bill worked for 50 years at the BJ, retiring as assistant director of circulation in 1991.

Bill Aylward and close friend Bob Wolf, an usher, were credited with saving the life of Joseph Demeter after he suffered a heart attack and slumped over in a pew at St. Sebastian Church years ago.

Ed Aylward’s obituary:

Edward E. Aylward

Edward E. Aylward was born February 14, 1924 in Pittsburgh, Pa. and passed away July 8, 2017.

Ed was preceded in death by his father, Joseph M. Aylward and mother, Catherine Boyle Aylward. Also preceded in death by brothers, Joseph, John, and William Aylward; and grandson, Michael Aylward.

He is survived by wife, Geri; daughter, Constance of Westerville, Ohio and son and daughter-in-law, James and Laura of Ravenna, Ohio; step-sons, Tim, Jeff, and Todd Ruip; grandchildren, Jennifer (JohnMark) Blakley of Columbus and Ashley Ruip of Akron. Many loved nieces and nephews. A special thanks to Hugh Aylward. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Dorothy Aylward; brotherin- law, Stan Ramsey, and Laura’s parents, Eugene and Judy Scott, and her sister, Holly and Bruce Saxe. In addition, dear friends, Audrey Merle, Fred and Margaret Welch.

Ed was a former truck driver and Circulation District Manager for the Beacon Journal, having retired in 1991 after 46 years of service. He was a proud member of the Teamsters Locals #473 (Beacon) and #345 (Taxi Cab Drivers) for whom he drove ten years.

Ed coached Little League Baseball for West Akron Baseball League in the 60’s. After leaving the Beacon Journal he went on to enjoy his final retirement years working for the Record Courier Publishing Co. for 14 years in the Circulation Dept. retiring on April 11, 2008.

Ed was a stalwart fan of the Cleveland Indians, Browns, and the Cavs for many years. He graduated from Buchtel High School in 1942. He was employed at Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. before joining the Army in 1943 and serving until 1946. He served around the world, but mainly in the China-Burma-India Theater with the 3115th Signal Service Battalion in the 5322nd Headquarters Company under the command of Gen. Joe Stilwell and attached to the Southeast Asia Command (SEAC) British Army-Navy Headquarter of Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten in India and Ceylon (now Sri-Lanka).

Ed enjoyed life to the fullest being raised by the best parents ever, playing ball as a youth and as an adult with the greatest brothers possible. He proudly watched the growth and success of his two terrific children, Jim and Constance. Then in later years, he THRIVED on sharing all of the above with Geri. The best years of his life were from 1976 until July 8, 2017 with his greatest friend ever and loving wife, Geri, at his side. In his words, “What more could a man ask for?”

Many thanks to Dr. K. Krutky, Dr. Blanda, Dr. Peter and Dr. Agarwal. Ed was a friend to many and was loved by all.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 15, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon at the Eckard Baldwin Funeral Home & Chapel, 760 E. Market St. Akron, OH 44305. The funeral service will immediately follow at 12 noon, with Rev. Joe Burkhardt officiating. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. In keeping with Ed’s love of sports, please feel free to wear anything Cavs, Indiy g ans, or Browns. Ed’s family suggests donations may be made to Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, 5623 New Milford Road, Ravenna, OH 44266.