Ed Schlegel, 79, passed away peacefully at home in The Villages, Florida, on September 29, 2026, after a short illness.

Born on January 16, 1947, in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, Ed was one of three children born to Grace (App) Schloegel and Edwin M. Schloegel. He grew up in Chester, Pennsylvania (Delaware County), and graduated from Chester High School. Following high school, Ed proudly joined the United States Air Force, serving his country during the Vietnam War. He attained the rank of Sergeant as an Aircraft Mechanic in the Regular Air Force and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Medal, and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal.

Following his honorable discharge, Ed attended the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology and built a successful career in mechanical engineering, working with Columbia Gas, DuPont, and the General Services Administration within the U.S. Federal Government. He had a brilliant mechanical mind and could fix almost anything.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ed was the devoted husband of Kathryn “Kathy” (McDevitt) Schlegel, formerly of Upland, Pennsylvania. The two met through friends during the “Summer of ’69,” beginning a journey that led to a loving 55-year marriage. Ed was a steadfast, loving father to Amy Leed of Pennsylvania and Brian Schlegel (Anna) of Virginia.

Ed was an avid Philadelphia sports fan who enjoyed bike riding, long walks, and years of boating and water skiing in Maryland. He loved music, dancing with his wife, and was always the good-humored, supportive husband through Kathy’s lifelong passion for Walt Disney World. His dry sense of humor was legendary and kept everyone around him entertained.

Ed was the cherished grandfather of Aidan Schlegel and Jack Schlegel. He loved joking around with his grandsons, who brought him tremendous joy, pride, laughter, and happiness.

In addition to his wife, children, and grandsons, Ed is survived by his sister, Grace Jones (Steve) of Ohio, as well as many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and was joined in eternal rest shortly after by his younger brother, Carl M. Schloegel.

Ed will always be remembered for his dedication, his quiet sacrifices, and a love shown through faithfulness, hard work, and caring for those entrusted to him.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on

Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 

St. Paul Catholic Church in Leesburg, Florida. 

Interment with military honors will follow at

Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ed’s honor to the Gary Sinise Foundation