EDWARD A. McNAMARA, age 85, passed away at home peacefully of natural causes on October 12, 2020, surrounded by his loving wife of 56 years, Arlene (nee Galasso), and his children, Janet Clare Murphy, Eileen Marie, and Edward Xavier (Megan).  He was loved by his grandchildren, Gwen and Colin Murphy and Maria (deceased), Edward X. II, Aidan, Blake, and Joshua McNamara.

Ed was the son of the late John and Mary McNamara of Achill Island, Ireland.  He loved his seven siblings, John (deceased), Kathleen Zavara (Ray) (both deceased), Maureen Phalen (Jerry), Eileen Ginley (Ed) (both deceased), Rose Smith (Jack), Joan DeBarr (Bob) and Patrick (Karen, deceased), as well as many other nieces and nephews and dear cousins and friends.

Ed was proud of his military service.  He was drafted into the Army in the early 1950s.  He was honorably discharged from both the Army and Navy.  After his military service, Ed joined the Cleveland Police Department where he served the public for more than 27 years.

Ed began his CPD career as a Patrolman, quickly becoming a Sergeant, then as a Lieutenant before being promoted to the rank of Captain.  Ed's CPD career had offered many opportunities, such as serving on the Ports and Harbor Division, as Chief of Detectives for the Detective Bureau, among others.  During his CPD career, Ed was also selected for specialized training and later graduated from the National FBI Academy in Quantico, VA.

As Captain, Ed was selected and promoted to the position of Commander of the 4th Police District in Cleveland before retiring in May 1985.  Ed then began a private sector career retiring in 2002 from the role of Vice President of Loss Prevention for a national jewelry distributor.

During his CPD tenure, Ed was a recipient of the Medal of Valor for Heroism in the line of duty for saving the life of a person in distress.

Ed also served as President of the local FBI Academy Associates, as well as President of the Crime Clinic, and President of the Police Holy Name Society. He also served as President of AFIO.  Additionally, he was a member of the Anchor Club, the Fraternal Order of Police, the Retired Irish Police Society (R.I.P.S.), as well as the Mayo Society of Cleveland and the West Side Irish American club.

Ed was an avid golfer and hunter, and he loved fishing/boating and traveling with his family.  His Irish eyes were always smiling, but his laughter and humor will be missed most by those who loved him.

Funeral Mass Thursday, October 22, St. Basil the Great Church (8700 Brecksville Rd., Brecksville OH 44141) at 10:30 A.M. (face masks and social distancing required) (PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH).  Interment St. Joseph Cemetery.  Friends may call at CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME of CLEVELAND, 4420 ROCKY RIVER DR. AT PURITAS, where face masks are required and social distancing will be observed, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 3-7 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his honor to the Prayers From Maria Foundation, 20226 Detroit Rd., Rocky River, OH 44116 prayersfrommaria.org