LETTS, EDWARD D.

LETTS, EDWARD D., 86, of Rio Grande, NJ, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2016. “Mr. Ed”, as he was affectionately known by the Rio Grande Little Leaguers he coached in the mid-1960s, was born in Camden, NJ on February 26, 1930 to the late Edward N. and Marie (Haines) Letts. He lived in the Pennsauken/Merchantville area until his mid teen years when his family moved to Grassy Sounds in Middle Township, NJ. He married Doris in 1948 and they eventually moved to Rio Grande where they raised their three children. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Doris (nee Paynter), and a sister Marie (Loux). He is survived by his son Edward J. and his wife Celine (nee Gregoire) of Rio Grande, NJ, his son Joseph W. and his wife Michelle (nee Medeiros) of Fair Haven, MA, his daughter Linda M. Pope of Cape May Court House, NJ, his grandchildren Joseph D. (Cecelia), Edward A. (Alicia), Amy, Becky, Scott (Jessica) LaBelle and Chad (Jennifer) LaBelle, his sisters Jeanette (McCarty) and Myrtle (Leider), and several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. While “Mr. Ed” owned and operated Little Danny’s Steaks and Shakes in Green Creek, NJ from 1977 to 1987 he was a truck-driving man by heart and often told the story that as a young boy he would see the tractors and trailers roll by and dream of one day driving one. He realized his dream and during his lifetime drove for the Highway Express Company, Clark Transportation International, Universal Design Ltd., and the Grace Oil Company of Rio Grande. It was during his employ with the Universal Design Company of Erma, NJ, in the 1960s, that he was able to show his children the United States as he would take them one at a time, in the cab of his big-rig, while on school summer vacation, to places such as Redondo Beach, California, San Antonio, Texas, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and Mt. Washington, New Hampshire. Often, when he was leaving his home in Rio Grande for a long trip, he would pass the Little League field on Railroad Avenue and the boys that played on his team would motion for him to give a blast on the air horn of his truck. It was his great pleasure to oblige. He will be greatly missed by his family, his old Little Leaguers, and all the gang that worked at Little Danny’s while he was there. “Six days on the road and he’s gonna make it home tonight!” Relatives and friends may leave comments and condolences at www.radzieta.com . Interment will be held on Friday, December 30, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Cold Spring Presbyterian Cemetery, Erma, NJ for family and close friends.