Ed D

Ed reached a milestone birthday this year 95 years old! He is an active Y member who enjoys swimming at the West Family YMCA and working out in Wellness Center. Ed doesn't let the physical limitations that keep him from driving deter him; if his daughter, Pat, can’t take him, he hops on the Castle Gardens bus to get to the Y.

YMCA Wellness Instructor Sue says, “I have had the privilege of working with Ed for over 10 years. He is such an inspiration not only to me, but to many of our other Y members”.

Ed celebrated another milestone in 2018… his 80th anniversary of joining the YMCA!  He first joined the YMCA near his high school in Camden, NJ to swim after school. Ed values his years as a member of the. He appreciates the way the staff and other members treat him. He says his favorite part about the Y is the exercise. He declared, “the Y helps me feel better mentally!”

The functional fitness and stamina Ed earned in his workouts was put to the test this summer. He went on a 3-week family vacation to Alaska that included travel by land, air and sea. He passed the test! He kept up with the busy itinerary better than most! He especially liked the cruise; he said they treated him like a king!

His daughter Pat adds, ”I just love the Y for how everyone looks out for him. I know he is safe and cared for there.” Ed quips with a hint of his wry humor, “it‘s better to wear out than rust out!”