Edward Anthony Pendergrass Sr., age 73 of Mentor, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday June 6, 2020. The following he authored.
Ed entered this world on October 6, 1946, in Little Falls, NY. He was the son of the late Raymond Edward (Foreman at Remington Arms) and Louise Sophia (nee Bladek) Pendergrass (Sales Clerk at W.T. Grant).
Moving to Ilion, NY at 6 months Ed grew up in the affluent 50’s at the former 46 West State Street. He graduated from Ilion High School in 1964. He then attended Syracuse University, In his Senior year he was a member of the Phi Delta Epsilon fraternity and the undefeated track team. He graduated from Syracuse University in 1968 with a B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering.
On June 17, 1968 General Electric hired Ed into their then Manufacturing Management Program with (3) 1-year assignments in Binghamton, NY, Tyler, TX and Utica, NY. He took an off program position at GE’s Nela Park in Cleveland, OH where his career was either in Technology or Quality. In the course of his work he was granted (2) US Patents. After 33.5 years Ed accepted an early retirement offer the end of 2001 at 55. After spending an extended time in southern China he returned to Mentor, OH July 2014. Being doubled retired he enjoyed his time attending Bible Community Church, part-time teaching Consumer Math at Mentor Christian School, working around outside his home and church and training up his daughters, Vivian and Lilian.
Ed’s fatherhood began with Melanie Jill (11/1/70 NY) followed by Jennifer Jill (12/6/73 OH), Sarah Raye (10/6/77 OH) and Edward Jr. (6/11/82 OH) with former wife, Star; then resumed with Vivian Louise (4/29/09) and Lilian Li (9/13/11) both in Huizhou, PR China with wife Lijun (Lily) Li.
God saved Ed from his sins on January 13, 1980 while at Maplegrove Christian & Missionary Alliance church in Willoughby Hills, OH. Before his major faux pas he served over 20 years in varied positions. His deeper walk in the Light came at Bible Community Church. Much indebtedness is owed to Pastors Mike and Denny, finally realizing that God controls every atom! His life verse was Galatians 2:20.
He relished “his” SF Giants, LA Rams, LA Lakers and his college, ‘Cuse. He became less enthralled with pro sports during his days in China. However, he greatly enjoyed ribbing followers of most teams, especially THE school in Columbus, OH!
His sister, Pat, said he was a Type A person to wit Ed did displays a number of those traits. He liked ping-pong (3 sons-in-law never beat him [or quoted Scripture] for his daughters hands), card and board games, using chopsticks. He loved any ‘chuz’, his glider, surprising people.
His wife, Lily, survives Ed along with his 6 children: Melanie Janka HD#1 (Dave; Olyvia, Grayce, Jennifer (Adam) Squires and David (Rachel) Janka) of Stow, OH, Jennifer Domenech HD#2 (Marc; Dallas, Taylor and Andrew) of Eastlake, OH, Sarah McMichael HD#3 (Julia {HGGS#1 Josiah} and Jacob) of Mentor, OH, Edward Pendergrass Jr HS#1 (Bianca) of Mentor, OH, Vivian and Lilian. His sister Patricia McElrath (Joe) plus niece Jodi and family, nephew Chris and family plus several cousins.
All are invited to attend the calling hours for Ed to be held from 4:00-7:00 PM Monday, June 15th, 2020 at Bible Community Church, 8600 Lakeshore Blvd., Mentor. A Funeral Service will be held at 7:00 PM Monday at the church with Pastor Mike officiating. In lieu of flowers, you are asked to consider gifts to Bible Community Church. Envelopes will be available at the church. Praise the Lord and rejoice everyone, as Ed is in Heaven to spend eternity.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Jeff Monreal Funeral and Cremation Services, 6330 Center Street, Mentor OH 44060.
