John H Edwards

John Edwards, 64, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, passed away on May 17, 2023 after a 14-month battle with brain cancer.

John was born on April 2, 1959 to Jacques and Arletta Edwards of Stanhope, NJ. After John graduated from Lenape Valley Regional High School in 1977, he went on to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bridgeport, CT. During his last year there he started his job at Picatinny Arsenal, where he remained through his entire career until his retirement in 2018.

In 1985, John met his wife, then Barbara Forman, on a blind date, set up by none other than their mothers, who were close friends and colleagues. They were married in May 1988 and lived in Newton, NJ for nearly 30 years, where they raised two amazing children, Julia and Timothy (Tim).

John was a man of strong faith. He was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Newton, NJ for many years, supporting several committees and ministries. He was especially involved in the Christian Outreach Project, which equips youth with tools and guidance to repair the homes of those who are financially or physically unable to do so. Additionally, John was an active member of Gideons International, taking on leadership positions in both the Sussex, NJ Camp and, after moving in 2019, the Monroe, PA Camp.

John was also an avid lake lover, growing up on Lake Musconetcong. He spent his twenties boating with friends around Lake Hopatcong. Once John retired, he and his wife Barbara moved to Lake Analomink in East Stroudsburg, PA, where they enjoyed peaceful canoe rides at dusk (always with a fishing pole in tow). John’s heart was truly at the lake. John’s other interests included snow skiing, playing the saxophone and ballroom dancing with his wife.

John is survived by his wife Barbara, his daughter Julia, his son Tim and Tim’s wife Abby, his sister Jane, his brother Bill and Bill’s wife Theresa, as well as beloved nieces & nephews and their children.

Services in memory of John will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Smithfield, 139 Craig's Meadow Road, East Stroudsburg, PA. on June 4, 2023. Visitation will take place from 2:00-3:30 PM, immediately followed by a memorial service. All are welcome to a repast afterward in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to support GBM research at the either Penn Medicine Abramson Cancer Center (https://www.pennmedicine.org/cancer/cancer-research/translating-research-to-practice/gbm-tce) or the Glioblastoma Research Organization (https://www.gbmresearch.org/our-projects).