Edward James "Angel" Lonergan

Edward "Angel" Lonergan was an extraordinary man who cared deeply for his family. With an outgoing nature and fun loving spirit, many people described him as being larger than life. Angel, however, always remained a humble man who would rather be with his wife, children and grandchildren than any other place on earth.

The year was 1939 and the United States was slowly climbing its way out of the dark recesses of the Great Depression. War had just erupted in Europe and within just a few years the United States would be dragged headlong into the conflict. Despite the fear of war, Nora (Samson) Lonergan of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, had reason to celebrate as she welcomed the birth of her son, Edward James, on January 30, 1939, at St. Mary's Hospital. The Lonergan household would eventually ring with the laughter and joy of six children: Margaret, William, Edward, Nora, Maryann and James. Edward, known as Angel to his many friends and family, grew up in the Fishtown section of Philadelphia. Here, Angel attended school at Immaculate Conception, and spent his free time hanging out with his cousins and friends from the neighborhood.

In his early 20s, Angel enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country for a short time. Then, in 1960, a wonderful thing happened to him - he met the love of his life, Dolores "Dolly", through some mutual friends. The two dated for about a year before becoming engaged and were happily married on September 16, 1961, at St. Agnes Church in Philadelphia. This was a day Angel treasured in his heart as one of the greatest gifts in his life. Though, each of the births of his two children, Mark and Melissa, added yet another incredible blessing to his life.

It was no secret that Angel was an excellent father. He was always interested and active in every phase of his children's lives. He created many wonderful memories for his children, which now become treasures of the heart. As Angel grew older, he was blessed with three grandsons, Evan, Shane and Quinn, and two granddaughters, Emma and Isabella, all of whom were the apple of "Pop Pop's" eye. He poured the same amount of love and attention into these relationships as he did with his own children. Angel loved spending time with his grandchildren, making the most of every moment they had together. He was truly a significant part of their lives.

Described as being fun loving, outgoing and gregarious, Angel truly knew how to enjoy, cherish and celebrate every moment that life had to offer. His happiest moments were undoubtedly spent in the company of his family. Just recently, he took a "road trip" with his son Mark, brother Jim, and brother-in-law and best friend, Bob, which left indelible memories that none of them will ever forget. In his leisure time, Angel could usually be found on a golf course somewhere, playing 18 holes. He was an avid golfer, but didn't actually take up the game until the early 1980s. Then, in 1988, when American Can Company, the company he worked for, closed up, he definitely had more time to devote to his golf game. Angel often said that the game of golf changed his life. In fact, his most prized possession was his golf clubs, which were a gift from his son Mark. However, Angel gave these clubs to his brother Jim in hopes he would grow to love the game as much as he did. With a passion for golf, it was only natural that Angel liked to read about the game, as well as military books, particularly military heroism. He enjoyed all genres of music, but was especially fond of gospel by Al Green, or R&B, like Ray Charles and Marvin Gaye.

What gave Angel the greatest joy was sharing himself with his family, offering them the most precious thing he possessed - his time. It is a gift none of his family will ever forget.

Edward James "Angel" Lonergan, age 66, of Philadelphia, PA, died on Sunday, November 20, 2005. He was preceded in death by his brother, William Lonergan, and mother, Nora. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Dolores "Dolly"; son, Mark and Michele Lonergan of Holland, MI; daughter, Melissa and Bill Pirnie of Vestal, NY; grandsons, Evan, Shane and Quinn, all of Holland, MI; granddaughters, Emma and Isabella of Vestal, NY; sisters, Margaret and Henry Pecic, Nora and Rainer McGee, Maryann and Robert Weinert; brother, James and Kathleen Lonergan; sister-in-law, Doris Lonergan; and faithful companion, his dog Chloe, all of Philadelphia, PA.

Private graveside services will precede a funeral mass at Immaculate Conception Church, 1020 North Front Street, Philadelphia, PA, on Saturday, November 26, at 10:30 a.m. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory of Angel, sign the guestbook or in lieu of flowers, make a memorial contribution to Hospice of Holland. Arrangements were made by the Downtown Chapel of Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, 29 E. Ninth Street, Holland, MI.