Edward A. Bednarek, age 87, resident of Cape May Court House, NJ, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. He was born on September 26, 1937, in Chelsea, Massachusetts to the late Joseph and Agnes Bednarek. Before Ed and Raye married, he served in the US Army and was stationed in many countries, including Ireland, Germany, Amsterdam, Iran, and Italy. While in the service he came in second place in the Annual Range Firing competition as an expert rifleman. When Ed and Raye were married, their fondness for travel continued. They moved so many times that it became the family joke! Everyone would write their current address in pencil so it could easily be erased. In his spare time Ed enjoyed hours of woodworking and watching sports, especially his beloved Red Sox team. After Ed retired, he joined the American Legion and Amvets Post 79. This brought out his true patriotic passion, as he served as Commander and State Chaplain for many years. He received The Legion of Honor Award from The Chapel of Four Chaplains. What a proud moment for him and his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Edward is predeceased by his beloved wife, Rachel “Raye” Bednarek; his parents, Joseph and Agnes (nee Rzuzuska) Bednarek; and his siblings, Thomas Bednarek, Dorothy Bocchetti, and Carol Odierno. He leaves behind his brother Dan, two daughters, Linda Ellmer and husband Ken, Marie DeHart Sebel and husband Martin; his grandchildren, Jim Smith and wife Dana, Dan Ellmer and wife Stephanie, Katie Dehart, and Matthew Sebel; two great-grandsons, Logan and Ethan; several extended family members; and many nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation for Edward on Friday, March 21, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Tilghman Funeral Home located at 52 Main Street, New Egypt, NJ 08533. A funeral service will begin at 10:30 AM at the funeral home with interment to follow at BGWCD Veterans Memorial Cemetery where Edward will be laid to rest with his beloved wife Raye. In lieu of flowers (which are not allowed at the cemetery), donations may be sent to Wounded Warriors https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/ or P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516