John William Edwards

It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the peaceful passing of John William Edwards on March 12, 2026, at the age of 95. John was at home, surrounded by the love and comfort of family, caregivers and neighbors and his cherished dog, BJ. Born on January 28, 1931, in Baltimore City, Maryland, John was the beloved son of John and Mary Edwards. He was a beacon of warmth and humor, known for his quick wit and infectious smile—a friend to all, both human and animal alike. His gentle presence and unwavering support for family and neighbors will be deeply missed. John was predeceased by his dear parents, his sister Dorothy Giamo, cousin Mary Donarum, wife Anna Mae Edwards, and his Aunt Angelene and Uncle Joseph Matulionis. He is survived by his cousin Angelo DelNegro and his wife Doris, along with their children, Lisa and Michael. Also cherishing his memory are cousin Rose Marie Matulionis, second cousin Gregory Donarum and his wife Zandra, and their children Emma, Peter, and Sara, as well as second cousin Gavin Donarum and his wife Kristen, and their children Paige and Quinn. In 1969, John married the love of his life, Anna Mae Kirby, with whom he shared a beautiful journey until her passing. Together, they built a life filled with laughter and love. John's formative years were marked by his service to his country. He proudly served in the US Army's 101st Airborne Division from 1953 to 1955, stationed with the 586 Ordinance Company in France. Following his military service, John embarked on a fulfilling career. He started at Westinghouse, but it was at the Baltimore City Water Department that he truly left his mark, managing the supply yards with dedication and precision. A graduate of Baltimore City Community College in 1951, John was a man of varied interests and talents. An avid antique car enthusiast, he was particularly fond of his collection of Cadillacs. His passion for animals, especially dogs, was well-known, and he was a cherished member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church, the Church of the Good Shepherd, and a long-time member of the Kiwanis Club, where he committed himself to community service. John's life will be celebrated on March 20, 2026, with a service at 10:30 AM at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, located at 533 East Jarrettsville Rd, Bel Air, MD. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Harford Shelter at https://harfordshelter.org, honoring John's lifelong love for animals. The Edwards family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the devoted caregivers from Justin Homecare—Michelle, Lisa, Keisha, Brianna, and Cindy—who provided exceptional care and companionship, enriching John's life in his final years. Special gratitude to William VanLammerin, who spent mornings with John as his personal chef and companion for the last two years. John's legacy of kindness, humor, and love will forever remain in our hearts. He leaves behind a tapestry of cherished memories, a testament to a life lived with grace and joy.