Edward J. Ftorski, 80, of Douglassville, passed away Monday, May 22nd at St. Joseph Medical Center, Reading.
Edward "Edw" was born in Bloomsburg on November 18, 1942, a son of the late Maude B. (Rhone) and Alexander Ftorski. He was the husband of Ann D (Hassler) Ftorski who survives him.
When Edw was two, his family moved to the Philadelphia area. Edw graduated from Upper Darby High School.
He served in the U.S. Navy as a Machinist Mate from 1962-64. After the Navy, Edw moved to Reading and worked for Aluminum & Marble Stone Company and Reading Tube. Edw then became an over-the-road truck driver for 40+ years, retiring from the Landstar system after 26 years as an owner-operator. In 2004, while working Hurricane relief in Florida, Edw and several other drivers purchased bicycles for the children who lost their homes and were living in Temp. housing at NOLF Saufly Field. Edw asked the Safety Dept at Landstar if they could provide bicycle helmets, which they provided.
Edw enjoyed his time as a leader in Boy Scout Troop 597, Amityville, PA while his son was a Scout, and after Alex aged out. He always enjoyed the camping trips keeping the boys guessing as to what he would do next, as he was quite a joker. Edw was the treasurer for a number of years.
Edw has been a member of the USS James C. Owens Association (DD776) since 1989. The Association hosts a yearly reunion for any sailor who was on the USS J. C. Owens. Edw served as vice president and was president for the last 17 years.
After his retirement in 2011, Edw started as a Penn DCNR Volunteer Campground Host in the State Parks system at French Creek, Hickory Run, and Promised Land State Parks. He was well liked by the campers who would ask if Camp host Edw was at the park.
In addition to his wife, Ann, Edward is survived by a daughter, Marjorie "Midge," wife of Steve Hudyma, of Elizabeth City, NC; a son, Alexander E. Ftorski, of Jacksonville, NC. He is also survived by three grandchildren: Garrett and Jaelin Hudyma and Liam Ftorski. He is survived by his niece Sue Trimbe (Rob), nephews Bruce and Craig Lamonaca, a great niece, two great nephews, a great great niece, two great great nephews, and one great great great nephew.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to any of the following:
Boy Scout Troop 597, c/o Rick Henry, 261 Lanie Drive, Birdsboro, PA 19508.
USS James C. Owens Association, c/o Franklin W. Kleinsorgen, 27070 Mill Seat Drive, Mechanicsville, MD 20659-2858.
Contact Ann if you would like to contribute for something in one of the State Parks.
Arrangements entrusted to John P. Feeney Funeral Home, Inc. 625 N. 4th Street at Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601, 610-372-4160. Obituary and condolences at www.johnpfeeney.com.
