Edward James Stanley, Jr.

Edward J. Stanley, Jr. died Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, following a short illness, and after a long battle with the effects of cancer. He was born July 28, 1950, in Norfolk, VA, son of Edward J. Stanley, Sr. and Eileen (O’Donnell) Stanley. His father made the Navy his career, so the family lived in various places throughout the U.S., with the longest period spent in King of Prussia, PA, where Ed graduated from Upper Merion H.S. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Villanova University in May 1972. He was stationed at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey CA, where he earned his master’s degree in electrical engineering in September,1980. He served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps May 1972 through June 1982 attaining the rank of Captain. Just prior to being stationed at NPS, he met his beloved wife Penny (Sharp), and they were married September 30,1978 in Marion, Indiana.

Ed was transferred from NPS to Quantico, VA, where he and Penny located to Stafford, VA and would spend the next 24 years raising their two sons and making many lifelong friends. Active members of Summit Presbyterian Church, Ed belonged to both the chancel and bell choirs.

After leaving the Marine Corps in 1982, Ed continued to serve his country supporting military programs as a ground systems engineer and manager, retiring from Lockheed Martin Corp. in August 2015 with nearly 30 years of service.  Ed and Penny relocated to Sun City Hilton Head in Bluffton, SC in September 2015. He was a member of the SCHH Woodworkers’ Guild, Bluffton United Methodist Church and BUMC men’s group, and enjoyed spending time with friends and family.

In addition to his wife, survivors include his two sons, Patrick (Hilton Head Island) and Kevin (Houston, TX) and sister-in-law Jyl (Sharp) and her husband Mike O’Neal. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Celebration of Life to be held 10 Nov 22 at 2:00 p.m. at Bluffton United Methodist Church, 101 Calhoun St., Bluffton, SC, with reception immediately following in the church fellowship hall.

Interment will be held 19 Dec 22 at 1:00 p.m., Beaufort National Cemetery, 1601 Boundary St., Beaufort, SC, 29902 with military honors.

Donations are requested in lieu of flowers to any local chapter of the American Cancer Society, Palmetto Animal League, National Parks Foundation or a charity of choice.