Edward E. Deren

Edward Eugene Deren, age 90, of Berks County, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at home on April 15, 2025. He was the devoted husband of the late Shirley Ann (Ripka) Deren, who passed in 2021. Married for over 60 years, Ed and Shirley built a life rooted in faith, family, and quiet strength—beginning as teenagers on opposite sides of a backyard fence.

Born in Reading to John and Bertha Deren, Ed was a twin to his brother Eugene and spent part of his childhood in an orphanage while his father served in World War II. That early experience shaped his resilience, compassion, and lifelong commitment to service and faith.

After graduating from Reading High School, Ed proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, stationed in Japan where he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. During this time, he trained in judo, achieving a brown belt within two years and later earning his black belt under his nephew, Gene Jr.

Upon returning home, Ed embarked on a 35-year career as a supervising engineer with AT&T. He became known for his contributions to quality manufacturing at Bell Labs and for his generous mentorship of younger engineers.

Ed’s greatest joy was his family. He and Shirley were blessed with four children—Ann, Kathy, Ed Jr., and Jim—and later welcomed grandchildren Allison, Jimmy, Stevie, Johnny, Darby, Haden, Hudson, Tommy, and Meghan, and great-grandchild Lindsay. He never missed a moment to cheer them on, share his wisdom, or simply show up with love. Family always came first, and his quiet, steadfast love was their constant.

Ed lived his faith as a lifelong parishioner at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, where he attended weekly Mass and often played guitar and sang in the church choir. His faith extended beyond the pews—after Hurricane Agnes devastated Reading in 1972, Ed volunteered to help restore the city’s water pumping infrastructure, earning thanks from the mayor and admiration from his community. It was just the kind of thing he would do: roll up his sleeves, fix what was broken, and never seek attention for it.

For over five decades, Ed also served as a high school swimming and diving official, becoming a cornerstone of the Berks County athletic community. As a founding member of the Berks County Swimming and Diving Officials Association, he officiated 45 District III championship meets and 2 PIAA state championship meets. Revered for his fairness, calm presence, and deep knowledge of the sport, Ed helped shape the integrity of high school swimming in Pennsylvania.

In recognition of his decades of dedication, Ed was inducted into the Berks County Aquatic Swimming Hall of Fame, where he later served as President, continuing to uplift student-athletes and advocate for the sport he loved.

He found peace in the natural world as a devoted hunter, fisherman, and gardener—sharing the harvest of his pursuits with family, friends, and neighbors. He believed in hard work, good food, and enjoying the quiet pleasures of life.

Ed is survived by his four children—Ann Deren-Lewis (Monte), Kathy Welsh (Ted), Edward Jr. (Kathleen), and Jim Deren; his twin brother Eugene and younger brother Bernard; eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley and his parents, John and Bertha.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint John Baptist de la Salle Roman Catholic Church, Kerrick & Mitti Roads, Shillington, on Friday, April 25, 2025 at 10:00 am, with Reverend Edward J. Essig as celebrant. Interment with Military Honors rendered by the United States Air Force Honor Guard will follow at Saint Mary’s Cemetery.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Bean Funeral Home, 129 East Lancaster Ave., Shillington, on Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites contributions to The Deren Scholar Athlete Scholarship Fund. Please make checks payable to BCAHOF and mail to:

Mr. Don Moll, 306 Wellington Ave., West Lawn, PA 19609

in memory of Edward E. Deren.