Edward Willis Redfield II, 87, a lifelong Doylestown, Pa., resident, passed away peacefully from a stroke at Doylestown Hospital on March 28, 2023, surrounded by his wife Norma (née Nash) and children Ann (Kevin), Ed (Beth), John (Suzanne) and Alex (Jenn).
Edward was born in Doylestown, Pa., to parents Horace and Martha (“Mattie”), and grew up raising havoc with his brothers Thomas and David. He played numerous sports at Central Bucks High School, and was later inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame. If you had the time (or even if you didn’t), Edward would gladly show you his scrapbook that documented his exploits. He graduated from Penn State in 1957, and took great pleasure in watching Penn State football games for the rest of his life. There were many calls on Saturday mornings asking “What time is State on and what channel?” Upon graduation, he served in the United States Army.
Edward began his professional career as a computer programmer at RCA Corporation, moving on to various sales/marketing positions at Burroughs Corporation, which later merged with Sperry Corporation to become Unisys, where he worked until his retirement. After retirement, Edward took a more active role at Doylestown Presbyterian Church, serving as a deacon and making hospital and shut-in visitations. His sense of humor and ability to make others smile made him a natural for this role. He also served on the Doylestown Township Planning Commission and the Westwyk Board of Directors. Edward loved gardening and sports, and was an avid reader. Reading brought him great pleasure, particularly in his later years.
Edward held many titles in his professional life, but his favorite roles were those as husband, father and grandfather. He met his wife Norma in grade school. Depending on which version of the story you believe, he asked Norma to marry him for one of three reasons: No. 1 – He loved her; No. 2 – He felt guilty for breaking her leg while sledding at Doylestown Country Club golf course; or No. 3 – She was the winner in a coin toss. We all know it was reason No. 1 as witnessed by their 63 years of marriage. Edward loved nothing more than spending time with his family. Summer vacations in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, were his favorite. Sitting in his designated chair watching family games on the front lawn with a cocktail in his hand, was one of his greatest joys. His beloved grandchildren Hannah, Mattie, Claire, Michael, Jack and Nora also gave him tremendous joy and happiness. Edward/Dad/Pop-Pop will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, he is survived by his brothers Thomas (Marty) and David, sister-in-law Audrey Groman, numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends.
The family thanks the Central Bucks Ambulance staff, doctors, nurses and other health care providers who made his last days comfortable. At Edward’s request, there will be no public funeral or memorial. Edward wished to help others by donating his body for medical research to the University of Pennsylvania via the Humanity Gifts Registry of PA.
Donations in memory of Edward may be made to either the Doylestown Hospital or Bucks County Free Library in Doylestown. Checks made payable to “Doylestown Health Foundation” can be sent to 595 W. State St., Doylestown, PA 18901. Online donations can also be made at DoylestownHealthFoundation.org/tribute. Checks made payable to the “Bucks County Free Library” may be sent to 150 S. Pine St., Doylestown, PA 18901.
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