Edward S. Pohl Sr.

Edward S. Pohl, Sr., 97, passed away peacefully, in his sleep, on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025. An Allentown, Pennsylvania native, Edward was born on January 13, 1928. He was the son of the late Mary (Yakubec) and Charles Pohl, both of whom were immigrants from Slovakia. Edward was preceded in death by four siblings he remained close to throughout their lives: Francis, Elizabeth (Anselmi), Charles and Eleanore (Fogle). Edward was a 1945 graduate of Allentown High School. Immediately upon graduation, at age 17, he joined the U.S. Merchant Marine as a merchant seaman, helping to transport cargo around the world in the aftermath of World War II. Edward served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1952, during the Korean War. He was stationed in Japan for most of his two-year enlistment. Before and after his army service, Edward was employed as a tractor-trailer driver with the former Arrow Carrier Corp. for 40 years. Edward was the husband of Maryanne (Huber) Pohl, his devoted wife of 66 years, who provided him with constant loving care for many years as his health declined. He was the father of Judy (Clark), wife of Michael, of Media, Ed Jr. of Ephrata, Matt, husband of Marcia, of Fairport NY, and John, husband of Kelly, of Bethlehem. Edward completed his life’s goal of helping all four of his children obtain college bachelor’s and/or master’s degrees; they will always be grateful for his tremendous efforts and sacrifices. In addition to his spouse and children, Edward is survived by nine beloved grandchildren (Jeffrey, Erin, Emily, Megan, Ryan, Sean, Julia, Amy and Alena) and two great grandchildren (Alice and Jamie). Edward was also close to many of his cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, some of whom continued bringing joy to his life until his final days. Edward was a longtime member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Allentown. His childhood parish, St. John the Baptist Catholic Slovak Church in Allentown, remained important to him throughout his life, and he often attended Mass there in his retirement years. Edward had a life-long love of reading, and read thousands of books (mostly non-fiction) throughout his lifetime. He enjoyed telling jokes and stories to everyone he knew; those who loved him were always ready for another one. He loved to relax with music and mentally maintained an extensive catalog of his favorite bands and singers, with songs for every occasion. Edward loved to vacation in Ocean City NJ and Florida. In his retirement years he enjoyed traveling to tropical locales on cruise ships. Most of all, Edward loved spending time with family, being surrounded and showered with affection by his wife, kids, grandkids, and extended family members on family vacations, weekends, holidays, and special occasions. The family wishes to thank the management and staff of DevonHouse Senior Living in Allentown, where Edward lived during his final six months, for their kindness and the care they provided. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 11 A.M. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church 1040 Flexer Ave. Allentown. A calling hour will be held on Wednesday, from 9:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. in the Church. Interment to follow with Full Military Honors at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem. Donations in Edward's memory may be made to St. Thomas More Church, 1040 Flexer Ave., Allentown PA 18103; St. John the Baptist Slovak Church, 924 N. Front St., Allentown PA 18102; or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org/donate or 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.

Edward S. Pohl Sr.

November 19, 2025