Edward M. Painter

August 25, 1917 – May 20, 2009


edward painter
Image courtesy of his son and daughter-in-law, Dick and Nancy Painter.

Source: Tributes.com

Edward M. Painter, 91, of Salem, passed away peacefully Wednesday morning, May 20, 2009, at his residence with his family at his side.

Born Aug. 25, 1917, in Philadelphia, Pa., the son of the late Edward M. and Lillian Mae (Myers) Painter.

Mr. Painter graduated from Germantown High School in Philadelphia and also graduated from the Philadelphia College of Bible.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942, serving aboard the USS Hope which was a Navy hospital ship. He was also a bugler while serving in the Army. He was honorably discharged from service in 1945.

Mr. Painter worked for 35 years as an optician at McGrann & Stead in Philadelphia and then worked for Limeburner Optical in Philadelphia in the same capacity until retiring in 2004, at the age of 86. During the 1950s and 1960s, he owned and operated a television repair business which he ran while working as an optician.

Mr. Painter relocated to Salem five years ago and loved his constant and faithful canine companion, Brownie, who brought him great joy. He was a member of the Durkeetown Baptist Church in Fort Edward. He enjoyed bicycle riding and playing the trumpet. Mr. Painter enjoyed going to NEWCO in Salem everyday for lunch and for many years and had many friends there. He would attend the USS Hope reunions throughout the country.

He was predeceased by his wife, Verna Degler Painter whom he married July 18, 1943. She passed away in November 2000. He was also predeceased by a son, Harry E. Painter in June 2008, and a sister, Marion Painter.



Army Serial Number 33474084
County & State of Residence Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Place of Enlistment Philadelphia, PA
Date of Enlistment 12/09/42
Grade PVT – Private
Source of Army Personnel Civilian Life
Nativity Pennsylvania
Year of Birth 1917
Education 4 Years of High School
Civilian Occupation Office Clerk
Marital Status Single without dependents
Component of the Army Selectees (Enlisted Men)
Box Number 0664
Film Reel Number 1.181

Source: National Archives