Cover photo for Edward James Rostron's Obituary
1931 Edward 2019

Edward James Rostron

June 30, 1931 — September 8, 2019

Ed Rostron was a beloved father and husband, loyal friend to many, outstanding athlete, U.S. Army veteran, and self-made businessman. Ed died peacefully on Sunday, September 8, 2019, at the age of 88. Born and raised in Upland, PA and a resident there and of Aston, PA for half his life, Ed moved to Cypress, TX in 1975 to further his career in the computer industry.

Born into a working-class family on June 30, 1931, during the Great Depression, Ed learned the value of hard work, sacrifice, and supporting one another at an early age. As early as 10 years old, he began delivering newspapers, helping with deliveries on the milk truck, and picking potatoes. In eighth grade he began working on an ice truck delivering 25–100 lbs. of ice.

In his junior and senior year of high school, Ed entered the electrical apprentice program at Eddystone High School that provided the foundation for his future career in computers. After graduating from Eddystone High School, Ed was an apprentice at Baldwin Locomotive while attending University of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Military College. Ed was drafted in 1954 during the Korean War into the 101st Airborne. While training at Ft. Gordon, GA, Ed was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and received additional technical and leadership training along with recognition for his basketball skills.

After serving in the Army, Ed returned to Pennsylvania and married his hometown sweetheart, Elaine Keenan; they moved to Aston Township where they raised their three children. A natural problem solver with strong technical skills, Ed was hired by IBM and began his career in the computer industry. A natural leader, Ed steadily climbed the corporate ranks at IBM and Control Data Corporation, and also was an integral part of other regional technology companies. After retiring, Ed continued to share his business experience and expertise as a consultant with Executive Services Corps of Houston and International Executive Service Corps in Uzbekistan.

Known as a father figure or big brother to many, Ed was tremendously generous with his time and could always be counted on to come to the rescue of family, friend or stranger. Ed was a volunteer firefighter and Life and Honorary Member of Upland Fire Company. He was also one of fifteen founding charter members of the Upland Athletic Club, an organization supporting athletic and community programs for youth that would not have such opportunities. In Texas, he was a volunteer and Board Member at Hope Village, a residential home and day program in the Houston area for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Ed’s patriotism, love for his country, and especially for those that served and lost their lives doing so, was demonstrated daily and throughout his life. He flew the American flag in the front of his home every day. He traveled back to his hometown on Memorial Day to participate in the Upland Memorial Day Ceremony and parade. In addition, he was the Commander at the Tomball American Legion and participated in many veteran and Memorial Day activities.

Sports, particularly basketball and fast pitch softball, played a large part in Ed’s life. He was a natural athlete and contributed to several teams winning league championships. Ed not only enjoyed the sport itself, but also the camaraderie of being on a team. Later in life, Ed became an avid runner, finishing several marathons. At age 60, he completed the Marine Corp marathon in Washington DC and finished in a time of 4:29:04. In 2008, Ed was honored to be inducted into the Delaware County Athletes Hall of Fame for accomplishments in softball.

As Ed journeyed through the challenging final years that robbed him of his memories, he was loved and cared for by his wife, Elaine, with support and love from his three children, Kim, Ken and Dave.

Ed is survived by his wife of 62 years, Elaine; children Kimberly and her husband, Gordon; Kenneth and his wife, Jean; David and his wife, Teri; seven grandchildren: Lindsay Rostron, Lauren Leifeste, Kelsey Horne (Ben), Michael Leifeste, Allie Wenberg (Joey), Sarah Rostron, and Dylan Rostron. Ed was preceded in death by his father, Charles Rostron; mother, Edith Rostron; and brothers Charles Rostron, Jr. and George Rostron.

The family is grateful for the kind staff of BeeHive Homes of New Mexico for providing Ed with superb care and ice cream on demand during his nearly two year stay there.

A small service will be held in Albuquerque on Saturday, September 21, 2019, 2:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Wyoming.   A Celebration of Life for friends and family will be held on Friday, September 27, 2019, 6:30 p.m., at the Tomball VFW, located at 14408 Alice Road, Tomball, TX 77377.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Hope Village, providing residential homes and day program in the Houston area for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. http://www.hope-village.com/donate.html

To send flowers to the family in memory of Edward James Rostron, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

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Memorial

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Starts at 2:00 pm (Mountain time)

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Memorial Service

Friday, September 27, 2019

Starts at 6:30 pm (Mountain time)

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