Edward J. Steele, age 72, of Whiting passed away Saturday, December 31 at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Galloway Twp. Born in Trenton to the late Edward L. and Rita (Buckalew) Steele, he lived in New Egypt before moving to Little Egg Harbor then to Whiting 22 years ago.

Before his retirement, Ed worked as a Lineman for Jersey Central Power and Light and served in the US Navy from 1970-1971. He loved hunting and fishing and the outdoors, enjoyed coin collecting and sports especially the Phillies and Eagles. Ed loved his dogs and working in his garden and was a member of both the Woodruff Gun Club and the Hook and Hoof Club.

Ed was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Janice (Huss) Steele; three sons, Thomas Steele and wife Johanny of Ohio, William Steele and wife Melissa of Tuckerton and Brian Steele of Bayville; five grandchildren, Craig, William, Emma, Matthew and Jessica and a sister, Susan Steele and husband Curtis Bentley of Georgia.

Funeral services for Ed will be held on Thursday, January 5 at 11:00 AM at the Tilghman Funeral Home, 52 Main Street, New Egypt, NJ 08533 with visitation on Wednesday evening, January 4 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM and again on Thursday morning from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will be in Zion Cemetery on Lakewood Road in New Egypt.

Memorial contributions in Ed's name can be made to either the American Kidney Fund (www.kidneyfund.org) or the American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org).