Obituary of Edward James Brice Jr.

Edward James Brice Jr., 74, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away of natural causes at the Earl B. Hadlow Community Hospice in Jacksonville, Fl. He was born in Wilkes-Barre, the son of the late Edward J. and Florence Skwirut Brice. Ed was a graduate of G.A.R. Memorial High School, class of 1967, where he excelled in football and track. He attended Wilkes College and College Misericordia. Ed served in the Army Reserves. Prior to his retirement, he was employed for many years with the Railroad, including Erie Lackawanna, Conrail and CSX. Ed was an active member of St. Joseph’s Church and Regnum Christi in Jacksonville. He was previously involved with the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. He was proud of his Catholic faith, his family and his heritage. He was a champion for workplace improvement including increasing opportunities for those with disabilities, and encouraging the practice of virtue. Ed’s favorite past-time was spending time with his family and friends. He also enjoyed walking on the beach. Ed was a friend to everyone he encountered. He believed in the potential of others and encouraged all to be and do their best. One of his mantras was: “Every Day is a Gift – Make yours Count!” Ed also enjoyed watching football and cheering for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. Ed married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Ann Butruce, who was the love of his life. It was truly a match made in heaven. They were married for 45 years, before Patricia passed away in 2014. He was also preceded in death by his grandson, Jonathan David Fink and by his nephew and godson, Brian Doughtery. Ed is survived by his loving children, Cindy Carey and her husband, Ron, Lincoln University, PA, Coleen Fink and her husband, David, Coppell, TX, Neal Edward Brice, Jacksonville, FL, and Kara Lynn Brice, Jacksonville, FL; grandchildren, Kaitlyn Dunn and her husband, Thomas, Bryce James Carey, Jacob Fink and Sarah Carey; great grandchildren, Brooklynn D. Fink and Augustus R. Dunn; sisters, Patricia Frodsham, Ashley and Maureen Whalen and her husband, Richard, Schnecksville, PA; 7 nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews. A celebration of Ed’s life will begin with a visitation for family and friends from 5-8pm on Tuesday at the Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday morning at 10 am in St. Mary’s Church of the Immaculate Conception, 134 S. Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre. Those attending the Mass are asked to go directly to the Church on Wednesday morning. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township. Condolences may be sent by visiting Ed’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com.