Edward Holahan

Edward "Ed" Holahan died peacefully and in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving children on November 20, 2021. He was 68 years old.

Ed is survived by his children Katie Zackon (Michael), John Holahan (Nicole), and Elizabeth Seibert (Brian). He is also survived by his brother, Ian Holahan, and his sister, Mary Gibbons. Affectionately known as Granda , Ed is also survived by grandchildren McKayla, Annie, Brian, Mary Grace, and Makenzie. Ed was preceded in death by his wife of 31 years, Kathryn Holahan (Duffy), his son E. Scott Holahan (Sarah), and his parents John and Margaret (Haggarty) Holahan.

Ed was born in Glasgow, Scotland on December 29, 1952. A gifted soccer player and a skilled electrician, Ed had big dreams. In 1976, his adventurous spirit called, and he moved from Scotland to the States (Biloxi, Mississippi). Eventually he moved to the Lawndale section of northeast Philadelphia after marrying the love of his life, Kathy, where they started their family. They eventually moved to Quakertown in Bucks County.

As a United States Soccer Federation National 'A' License Coach and former professional player, Ed's passion was soccer. Those who knew Ed understood that soccer was not just part of his life, but a driving force in it! As his children entered the sport, Ed could always be found on a soccer field where he transitioned from player to coach. He was a high-level coach who was known to be tough at times and for his no-nonsense approach. His players often benefited, calling and visiting him years later to express gratitude and appreciation for pushing them to be their best. Ed's intensity on the soccer field directly translated to his work ethic as a father and husband. Ed was a proud union electrician at Merck for 29 years. Ed had so many stories about his "buddies at work" that he loved to share with his children. Through the years, he turned down career coaching opportunities, choosing the stability of his job at Merck that allowed him to provide for his family and his children's education over following his passion for soccer. His children know that his dedication to the family allowed for them to flourish and are grateful for the sacrifices he made on their behalf.

After retiring from Merck, Ed took his love of soccer and sense of adventure to a new level with the World Football Legends Asia , his nephew's company, which organizes event tours bringing European Football Legends from international teams in England and Germany including Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal throughout Asia. Ed specifically enjoyed his involvement in local communities and coaching the game he loved to children of all ages alongside the legendary soccer players.

Whether overseas or in the States, Ed loved golfing, fishing, reading, and spending time with his family, friends, and neighbors. When he wasn't watching soccer matches on television, he enjoyed being a sideline soccer fan at his grandchildren's games. Ed was extremely generous and hardworking throughout his life, often going above and beyond to show appreciation and share what he had with those he loved. He was a parishioner of St. Isidore Church in Quakertown. Prior to that, he was a parishioner at St. William Church, in Lawndale. His love of soccer, relentless work ethic, dedication to family, love of travel, continued faith, and abundant generosity are the attributes his family will hold close as they celebrate his life and legacy.

You are invited to visit with Ed’s family and friends from 10 – 11AM Monday, November 29, 2021 at St. Isidore’s Catholic Church, 2545 W. Pumping Station Rd., Quakertown, PA, 18951. His funeral Mass will follow at 11:00AM and will be LIVE-STREAMED.  Please click here to view the service remotely https://www.stisidores.org/#homePage A graveside ceremony will be held at 11AM on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 3301 W. Cheltenham Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19150.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Tails of Valor www.tailsofvalor.org . Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service of Quakertown. ( 215-536-3343 ).  Condolences may be shared at www.nauglefcs.com