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Edgar Allen McCoy, 85, of Wayne, PA passed away May 15th at the Kindred Hospital in Havertown, Pennsylvania. “Ted” as he was known to many, was the youngest of 4 children of Henry “Arthur” and Vada (Reynolds) McCoy, born at the Burger House in Albion, Indiana on July 27, 1924. The family moved to Albion, Michigan during Edgar’s early childhood. He graduated from Albion High School and left Albion to serve in the marines with his brother Herbert. Edgar served in the Marines during WWII in the Pacific Campaign in the Explosive Ordinance Division. He saw action in Iwo Jima. He took part as an officer in the occupation of Japan after the war and lived with a Japanese family for some time. He would tell his relatives later, that living and working with the Japanese made him a human being again. Edgar took advantage of the GI Bill upon returning to the States and received his bachelor’s degree from Albion College. He later attended Boston University and Yale University earning graduate degrees in Education. Edgar spent most of his professional life in education, teaching in both public and private schools. He taught for many years at the Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia and then at the Phelps School in Malvern, PA. In 1972, he married Margaret Bartlett with whom he shared 26 years of marriage until her death in 1998. He became a member of the Alzheimer’s support group as he learned to deal with his wife’s illness and support others facing the same challenges. Edgar was a devoted member of The Church of the Redeemer in Bryn Mawr, PA. He was an active parishioner, teaching Sunday school, serving on the flower guild and leading morning bible study meetings. He was also the crucifer for funerals. Edgar was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret, parents, and siblings, Willis, Herbert, and Clara. He is survived by his stepchildren, Fredricka Brecht and Christina Brecht; step granddaughter, Blair Lambert; nieces, Sharon Mershon, her husband Herbert and daughters Clare and Susan, Aleta McCoy, Barbara Thurmond, her husband John and sons John Robert and Samuel, Marianne Hunt, her husband Robert and their children Mason and Cory, Judith Longfield, her husband Matthew and their children Matthew Jr., Samantha and Robert; and nephew Robert Harrison, his wife Rona and their children Cecy and Liberty. He also leaves behind many close friends. Edgar particularly loved literature, classical music, gardening and tinkering on his cars. He had a lively wit and loved a good debate. Edgar will be remembered for his charming manner, quick smile and big hugs. He will be missed by his family and many friends. A memorial gathering and celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, June 26th, at 11:00 AM at The Church of The Redeemer in Bryn Mawr, PA. Graveside internment is at 10:30 AM and a reception will follow in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Edgar’s name to The Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter, 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

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Edgar Allen "Ted" McCoy

July 27, 1924 - May 15, 2010