Memorial Drive Saturday For Holmdel's Ed Harris: Details

HOLMDEL, NJ — A memorial drive through Holmdel is planned for this Saturday, April 25 for Ed Harris, the Holmdel resident who passed away at the age of 55 after he was completely overcome by coronavirus/COVID-19 in the span of just three weeks.

Because people cannot attend a large funeral for Harris — his wife and two sons also tested positive for coronavirus, but displayed no symptoms — Holmdel police are arranging a drive-by memorial in his honor.

Here are the directions for the Ed Harris memorial drive, Saturday, April 25:

All cars will line up on Apple Grove Drive. "Please do not get out of your car as we are continuing to practice social distancing," say organizers.

At 2 p.m., the procession will begin and make a left onto Centerville Road, then a right onto Sunrise Circle and a left onto Stoney Brook Road passing the Harris home, which is located at 11 Stoney Brook Road. When you come to the stop sign, make a left or right onto Centerville to exit.

Holmdel police offered to assist with traffic patrol.

Last Saturday, April 18, Ed Harris, 55, lost his battle with coronavirus after he was diagnosed a mere three weeks earlier. Harris was incredibly well known in Holmdel, as both a local dad and basketball/baseball coach. He was born and raised in Holmdel, and owned the local landscaping business Holmdel Farms.

Harris leaves behind his wife of 25 years, Dina Masterpalo, and two sons, Jeffrey, 23, and Nick, 21.

"Holmdel lost one of its greatest citizens," said longtime friend and fellow Holmdel resident Tim McDonnell. "Ed is a Holmdel original. He was just a real salt-of-the-earth guy, really humble with no airs about him. Ed was happiest with a beer in his hand watching a basketball game."

"Ed fought his hardest over the past month, but the COVID-19 virus was too much to handle," said McDonnell. "In my mind, he represented everything that is good about our town. Ed knew everybody in town and was always the first one to lend a hand to anyone in need. It's heartbreaking."

Read his story here on Patch: Holmdel Family Man, Coach Dies Of Coronavirus At Age 55

A GoFundMe was started for the family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/helping-the-harris-family-in-a-time-of-grief?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link-tip&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet