With a heart full of love and a life full of meaning, and surrounded by the family who cherished him, John Edeen, Jr., 97, left this world peacefully to take his place in his heavenly home.

Born in McKeesport, PA in 1928 to Swedish parents, Elva and John Edeen, John grew up in a lively household with five older sisters, one younger brother, and three foster sisters. As the children of Salvation Army Officers, the Edeen siblings were raised in a home where generosity, hospitality, and service were woven into daily life. That upbringing shaped the gracious, people-loving spirit that defined John’s entire life.

Predeceased by his siblings, John became the elder statesman of the family — the one who remembered every story, every connection, every thread of their shared history. For many years he planned and organized “The Edeen Family” reunions, where everyone who walked through the door was treated as family. No one was ever a stranger. With a keen mind and a gift for storytelling, John preserved generations of family history, tracing their Swedish roots and sharing those discoveries with pride. He wanted every member of the family to know where they came from.

Whether helping his brother set up a bicycle business, rescuing a stranded niece, or finding a job for a man working hard to maintain his sobriety, John was known as “the man for all of us.” He had a remarkable way of making others feel valued, supported, and cared for.

John built a beautiful life with his beloved wife, Mary Ann (Carlino), sharing 68 years of companionship, ministry, and adventure. Together they served as Salvation Army Officers for 35 years, retiring in 1990. Their ministry touched countless lives, and John found a particular calling among the men of the Bowery who were struggling with alcoholism and addiction. His compassion, patience, and steady presence made a profound difference.

Before entering ministry, John honorably served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1948.

John Edeen, Jr., of Leisure Village West in Manchester Township, passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. He previously resided in Tuckerton before moving to Manchester in 2010.

John was predeceased by his son, Lars Eric, in 1998; his brother, Lars Olaf; and his sisters Esther, Ruth, Judy, Jeanette, and Violet. He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Mary Ann; his sons John III (Jody) of San Antonio, TX, and Einar M. (Sharon) of Jackson, NJ. He is deeply missed by his grandchildren — Eric John Edeen (Jamila), Lars Michael Edeen (Hannah), Danielle Bradway (Nick), and Jason Byrne (Brandi) — and by his eight great-grandchildren: Camryn Glowacka, Aubrey Bradway, Mia Bradway, Cora Bradway, Daniel Byrne, Stephanie Byrne, Faith Byrne, and Brandin Byrne, who were the joy of his life. He is also remembered with love by many nieces, nephews, and a circle of friends who became family.

Though we grieve his absence, his love, generosity, and steadfast spirit live on in every person he touched.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.