Edward R. 'Sonny' Debethizy

Edward R. ‘Sonny’ deBethizy, age 79, passed away peacefully at his home on July 7, 2018 after fighting a long illness of Parkinson Disease. Sonny had a 33 year career with the Prince Georges County MD fire department. He was a decorated veteran of the special tactical unit where he received several awards for bravery while fighting fires. After retiring from the fire department Sonny and his wife of 58 years, Margaret, moved to Bluffton, SC. Sonny and Margaret were faithful members at Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Church where Sonny sang in the choir and was an usher. Sonny was a founding and dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus Chapter at Saint Gregory. Sonny was born in Washington, DC on October 31, 1938 to the late Edward Joseph and Theresa Russell deBethizy. In addition to his wife, Margaret, Sonny is survived by daughters, Terri Strouse and Karen Larcombe (Dr. Joel); grandchildren, Kaitlen Elizabeth Jackman, Emily Anne Larcombe, Jason Russell Larcombe; great grandchildren, Lissie and James Strouse, who were the highlight of Sonny’s days, many nieces and nephews and friends. A Catholic Mass will be celebrated at Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Church, Bluffton, SC at 10:30 am on Saturday, July 14, 2018 with the family receiving friends one hour prior to Mass at Saint Gregory’s. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions in Sonny’s name to Saint Gregory the Great School, 38 Saint Gregory Drive, Bluffton, SC 29909 or the Saint Francis Center, P O Box 682, Saint Helena Island, SC 29920.