Obituary of Edward L. Gant

Edward L. Gant, 87, the third of eight children born to Martha and Thomas Gant Sr., passed away on Tuesday, April 7 after a long illness. He was predeceased by his wife, Jane Langley Gant, his parents, Martha and Thomas Gant Sr., his sister-in-law, Doris L. Sorenson and his brothers-in-law Anthony Rafine and Hugh Atwell. He is survived by his siblings: Thomas (Priscilla) Gant, Martha Monaghan, Margaret Rafine, Elizabeth Atwell, Ann (Harold) Underwood, Francis (Sharon) Gant and James (Mercina) Gant. His brother-in-law Chris Sorenson also survives him. Additionally, he is survived by 24 nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews. Ed attended St. James Grammar School in Penns Grove, graduated from Salesianum High School in Wilmington, Delaware, and after serving in the US Navy, received a B.S. degree from Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. He participated in sports both at Salesianum and Shippensburg. He received an M.A. degree from Temple University. While in the Navy, he served aboard the USS Dashiell, a destroyer, and participated in the Korean War. During his service time, he traveled with the fleet and circumnavigated the globe, and having crossed the Equator, became a Shellback. After college, Ed taught at what then was Swedesboro High School before coming to Pennsville Memorial High School where he taught Social Studies, and coached on the staffs of baseball, football and wrestling and later became Supervisor of the Social Studies Department. Although he taught only a few of his actual nieces or nephews, he didn't turn away any student or student-athlete at PMHS who needed extra help, attention or special kindnesses—in fact he received a "special award" from one of his student- athletes—"The Uncle Ed Award." Proudly devoted to the Pennsville community, he served as President of the Pennsville Fire Department, President of the Pennsville Historical Society and had the honor to be Parade Marshall at Septemberfest in 2014. Additionally, in his youth, Ed along with his friends, spent summers at Riverview Beach Park working as a life guard at the swimming pool. He was a loving son, husband, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and great uncle and will be missed greatly by all. The family wishes to thank particularly Dr. John Amrien and the staffs at Merion Gardens and Lighthouse Hospice for the care given to Ed. All services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Pennsville Fire Company or the Pennsville Historical Society. In light of present circumstances, a celebration of Ed's life will be held at a later date. www.laughreyfuneralhome.com