Remembering Ed McCann

In August of 2017, Ed McCann died of a heart attack at his home in Ingleside at King Farm. He had not been feeling well lately, but his death still came as a surprise to all who knew him. Many of us are now mourning his loss and remembering with love and affection his warm smile and twinkling eyes.

Ed, a member of the Ring of Kerry Irish Dancers from 2003 to 2011, was well-like by everyone who knew him. He always had a pleasant thing to say about whatever was going on. As a member of our dance troupe, he attended all the parties, performed many times, traveled to Ireland, and attended dance class regularly. When he could no longer dance, his presence was missed by all.

His parents, James (from Co. Sligo) and Ella (from Co. Kerry) McCann, gave birth to Ed and his twin sister, Peggy (also a former RKID), on June 11, 1941 in Washington, DC. He attended Holy Trinity for elementary school and graduated from Mackin High School. After serving for 3½ years in the United States Air Force stationed in Riverview, California, he returned to Georgetown and  began his 28½ year career at IBM. He retired in 1993 and began a new career as a world traveler. In just a few years, he visited Ireland, England, Scotland, the Baltics, Russia, the Canadian Northwest, South America, Alaska, and Hawaii. When he was not off in some faraway place, he was on the dance floor with the Ring of Kerry Irish Dancers, going for long walks throughout Washington, or spending time with his brothers, sister, nieces, and nephews.

Family members remember Ed with great affection and admiration. He had quick moves on the football field on Thanksgiving Day and he gave helpful hints to the youngsters during Easter egg hunts. He was passionate about all the Washington sport teams and often attended mass at St. Mary’s or Georgetown University Hospital chapel. The family admired Ed’s devotion to his mother particularly during the final years of her life. He also had a close bond with his twin sister, Peggy, and they were often seen dancing together at class and ceilis.

During his retirement, Ed also joined Literary Connections (LC), a group of people who love to read and go places. Every month Judy Ashley, the coordinator of LC, took the club to places in the Washington area and even as far away as Ireland and Prince Edward Island in Canada. Ed participated in these outings and joined in all of the fun.

In 2009 he moved to Ingleside at King Farm in Rockville where he became a regular jigsaw puzzle participant in the atrium. Everyone seemed to know Ed. “I loved the way all the ladies came by and said, 'Hi, Ed,' while he was working on his puzzles,” said Marilyn O’Brien. His years at Ingleside brought him much happiness.

His large family, members of the Ring of Kerry Irish Dancers and Literary Connections, and residents of Ingleside miss Ed terribly. He made a difference in our lives with his enthusiasm for learning, his enjoyment of others, and his participation in many group activities.

Rest in peace, Ed.

October 15, 2017