G. Edward Via

G. Edward Via

October 3, 1936 – February 22, 2022 (age 85)

George “Eddie” Via, 85, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at his home in Elkridge, MD.  Born October 3, 1936 in Washington D.C. the son of George Archer and Thelma Mae Via he attended H. D. Cooke Elementary- started school at 4 ½ years old, skipped ½ year in the 6th grade, attended Central Jr. High School and McFarland Jr. High School before moving onto Theodore Roosevelt High School graduating in 1954; Proudly lettered in Football and Track, played on the school’s only InterHigh Champion Team.  

He began his career in the Old Post Office, Cartography Department in DC, where he created Post Route maps, Air Routes, and Weather maps.  Later he retired from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) where he worked as a cartographer for over 40 years. 

Eddie most enjoyed being surrounded by his children and grandchildren.  His dedicated love for the Washington Redskins can be traced back to Griffith Stadium.  In his earlier years, he enjoyed coaching his sons and other children in the Wheaton Boys Club and Columbia Bulldogs Football teams.  His interests included dancing, bowling, playing sports and traveling until he was no longer able to do so.  His favorite destination was the beach, especially Cape May, NJ.   He enjoyed listening to live music, exploring genealogy, and southern cooking (especially country ham.) He spent his time “collecting” newspapers, reading historical literature-particularly related to the Civil War, trading stocks on paper, and calling his children with frequent updates. Eddie treasured attending family reunions and will be remembered for his elaborate storytelling and the love he had for his family. 

He is survived by his devoted partner of over twenty years, Eileen Emrich and numerous family members including his Sons: Timothy Via (Boynton Beach, FL), Michael Via and his wife Vicki (Damascus, MD), Dennis Via and his wife Patricia (Silver Spring, MD), Christopher Via and his wife Jamie (Trophy Club, TX), Kimberly Meier and her husband Chuck(Mt. Airy, MD). Grandchildren: Jason Via, Matthew Via, Stephen Via, Caroline Via, Jackson Via, Preston Via, Charlie Meier, Benjamin Meier, and a granddaughter on the way. His Sister: Diane Murphy (Front Royal, VA) and a Nephew: Bill Marsh (Front Royal, VA) and a niece: Lori Marsh (Annandale, VA).

A visitation will be on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 from 10:00am to 11:00am with a Memorial Service at 11:00am at the Donaldson Funeral Home of Clarksville, P.A. located at 12540 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD 21029. Interment will be at Crest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 2150 Mt View Rd, Marriottsville, MD 21104.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Ruckersville Baptist Church, 6 Moore Dr., Ruckersville, VA 22968.

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