Edward Joseph Ansell

Edward Joseph Ansell passed away May 4, 2016 surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born on April 16, 1948 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and raised in Saxonburg, PA. Edward graduated from Knoch High School in 1966. While attending Knoch High School, he became the student band director and his love of music blossomed. Edward’s courage showed when he joined the United States Army in 1969 and proudly served his country in the Vietnam War. Edward moved to Central Florida and started working for the Brevard County Sheriff’s Department as a corrections officer. He was part of the Critical Incident Team and eventually retired from the Sheriff’s Department as a Lieutenant. Edward belonged to many organizations including: The American Legion, Police Benevolent Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Fraternal Order of Eagles, NRA. He was by far the most generous person and a supporter of many charities including National Homeless Veterans Support, Inc., Girls Place of Alachua County Inc., Boy Scouts of America, United Way and the World Wildlife Federation. Edward had a kind soul and believed that no one was a stranger. Once you became his friend you had a friend for life. He was patient, understanding and always ready to lend an ear or shoulder. Edward kept a black book of jokes and could be counted on for a laugh. He could find a smile even in the bleakest moments. Edward was an inspiration to all that knew him and a true hero. Edward is survived by his daughter, Celia D. Ansell; brothers, Ron W. (Enelyn) Ansell, Phillip N. Ansell, and James T. (Jane) Ansell; sisters, Marilyn L. (Carl) Neste, Gail L. Bernick, and Betty J. “B.J.” Sullivan. He also leaves behind nephews, Eric (Erica) Sullivan, Brian (Wendy) Ansell, Stephen (Amy) Bernick, Chuck (Mary) Ansell, Les Neste, Chris (Mary Ann) Ansell, Lynard Torrente, Leonel Torrente, Shawn Smith, Courtney Boles; nieces, Jane (Scott) Walker, Carol (John) Neste, Sarah (Brian) Battenfeld, Kelly (Andy) Campbell, Brittney Ansell, Shandra (Mac) Parker, Abigail Dickson; numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews and his BCSO family. Edward is preceded in death by his parents Charles A. & Betty J. Ansell, his brother Charles W. Ansell and nephew Jason Reneau. A memorial service/celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 2:00pm at the American Legion Post 0359 in Titusville, FL. There will be a graveside service with military honors at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. will be held Monday, May 16, 2016 at 1:00pm. The family has asked in lieu of flowers; please donate to National Homeless Veterans Support, Inc., www.nvhs.us or Haven Hospice of North Central Florida, http://www.havenhospice.org/.

Edward Joseph Ansell

April 16, 1948 - May 4, 2016