Obituary: Former Westfield Friends School Trustee Dies 10 Days Before 100th Birthday

Edwin S. McVaugh, Sr., died peacefully at the age of 99, on December 12, 2016, 10 days before his 100th birthday.

Ed was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Mary Beth McVaugh, and is survived by his three children, Judith M. Hershkowitz of Hyattsville, Maryland; Edwin S. McVaugh, Jr. (Mike) of Orlando, Florida; and Robert E. McVaugh of Hamilton, New York; five grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

Ed served in the army during World War II in Texas where he met Mary Beth. They were married in 1944 and moved to Riverton, New Jersey, where Ed was a building contractor at McVaugh Construction Company in Burlington County.

He served on the Board of Trustees at Westfield Friends School in Cinnaminson, New Jersey, and at George School in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He was also a councilman for the Borough of Riverton.

Following his retirement in 1974, Ed and Mary Beth began traveling around the United States in a motor home, often for several months a year. Their travels more and more focused on Alaska, where they especially loved Valdez.

In 1991, they won the Salmon Derby by catching a 17 lb 5 oz silver salmon. A spokesman for the Salmon Exchange was quoted as saying to tourists unhappy with the current salmon season, "I told them that the silvers would get here as soon as Edwin McVaugh gets here."

In 1988, Ed and Mary Beth moved to Medford Leas in Medford, New Jersey, and lived on the Courts. They continued to travel several months a year.

In 1994, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a truly memorable cruise in Alaska with many of their family members, both children and grandchildren. In all, they made over 24 trips to Alaska.

In 2004, Ed and Mary Beth celebrated their 60th anniversary in a dinner party gathering of lifelong friends and family.

Mary Beth moved to Estaugh in 2005 where Ed was able to visit her frequently until her death in August 2009. Ed moved to Third Floor Haddon that year, and through much of his nineties, played bridge and tennis. He lived there until his passing on December 12, 2016.

During his 28 years at Medford Leas, Ed made many friends among the community, both residents and staff.

Ed loved living there and the family wishes to extend thanks and warm wishes to the entire Medford Leas community for many years of wonderful living and companionship.

There will be a Memorial Service and reception at Medford Leas on December 22, 2016 from 2 p.m. -4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Westfield Friends School in Cinnaminson, New Jersey.

Condolences may be left at www.lewisfuneralhomemoorestown.com.