Edward P. Welstead

   Edward P. Welstead, 78, of Woodland Park formerly of Matawan, passed away Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at St. Joseph University Medical Center, Paterson. 

   Born to John and Eleanor (McGiff) Welstead, Eddie grew up in Matawan, NJ and was one of seven children. He was a graduate of Matawan High School and competed in many sports. He had a passion for boxing and was an amateur flyweight champion who fought out of Elizabeth in Golden Gloves tournaments. After graduating high school he enjoyed a long career as an electrician. Many of those years were in IBEW local 456 in which he was actively involved and made lifelong friends. He married his wife, Mary (Treger), in 1976, and they eventually settled in Shrewsbury, NJ where they lived for over 30 years and raised their daughter Caitlin.

   Eddie was truly a one of a kind person. His fierce loyalty to the people in his life can be seen in the childhood friendships he cultivated and maintained up until the end. He enjoyed nothing more than getting together with people. Some of his fondest memories came from coaching his daughter and her friends in various sports and bringing them all over on adventures. The little things in life made him happy; going out for a cup of coffee, walking Annabelle his dog, or grabbing a bite to eat. If you knew him even in passing you were made aware of his love of horseracing, Rutgers University sports, his dogs, his daughter and especially his grandchildren Neema, 2, and Ava, 10 months. Eddie was an RU football season ticket holder who loved tailgating. He spent countless hours at the Meadowlands and horse farms working with the horses, and was an amateur standardbred driver for a number of years. But what it all came down to was spending any time he could with Neema and Ava. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and neighbor.

   Eddie is survived by his wife of 43 years, Mary (Treger) Welstead, his daughter Caitlin (Welstead) Malik, son-in-law Danish Malik, granddaughter Ava and grandson Neema. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and extended family around the United States. 

Relatives and friends are invited Monday, February 21, 2022 from 4 - 8 PM and Tuesday, February 22, 2022 from 10:15 to 11 AM at the funeral home.  A Funeral Mass will be offered 11:15 AM at St. Clement RC Church, Matawan.  Burial will follow at Greengrove Cemetery, Keyport.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to The Alzheimer's Foundation of America or St. Jude's.

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