Edwin S. McVaugh, Sr., died peacefully at age 99 on Monday, Dec. 12, 10 days before his 100th birthday. McVaugh was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Mary Beth McVaugh, and is survived by his three children, Judith M. Hershkowitz of Hyattsville, Md.; Edwin S. McVaugh, Jr. (Mike) of Orlando, Fla.; and Robert E. McVaugh of Hamilton, N.Y.; five grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.
McVaugh served in the army during World War II in Texas where he met Mary Beth. They were married 1944 and moved to Riverton, where McVaugh was a building contractor at McVaugh Construction Company in Burlington County.
McVaugh served on the Board of Trustees at Westfield Friends School in Cinnaminson and at George School in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He was also a councilman for the Borough of Riverton.
Following his retirement in 1974, McVaugh and Mary Beth began traveling around the United States in a motor home, often for several months a year. Their travels more and more focused on Alaska, where they especially loved Valdez.
In 1991, they won the Salmon Derby by catching a 17 lb. 5 oz. silver salmon. A spokesman for the Salmon Exchange was quoted as saying to tourists unhappy with the current salmon season, “I told them that the silvers would get here as soon as Edwin McVaugh gets here.”
In 1988, McVaugh and Mary Beth moved to Medford Leas and lived on the Courts. They continued to travel several months a year. In 1994, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a truly memorable cruise in Alaska with many of their family members, both children and grandchildren. In all, they made over 24 trips to Alaska.
In 2004, McVaugh and Mary Beth celebrated their 60th anniversary in a dinner party gathering of lifelong friends and family. Mary Beth moved to Estaugh in 2005 where McVaugh was able to visit her frequently until her death in August 2009. Ed moved to Third Floor Haddon that year, and through much of his nineties, played bridge and tennis. He lived there until his passing.
During his 28 years at Medford Leas, McVaugh made many friends among the community, both residents and staff. McVaugh loved living there and the family wishes to extend thanks and warm wishes to the entire Medford Leas community for many years of wonderful living and companionship.
There will be a Memorial Service and reception at Medford Leas on Thursday, Dec. 22, from 2 p.m. 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Westfield Friends School in Cinnaminson.
