Edward Peter Gutknecht, 79, passed away peacefully at his home in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, on October 25th, with his beloved wife and daughter by his side.

Born in December 1946 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Ed was the son of Joseph and Veronica Gutknecht. He grew up in Belleville, New Jersey, where he attended Belleville High School. A gifted athlete, he played varsity basketball, ran track, and competed in shot put. Summers were spent working on his cousin’s farm in Pennsylvania, a time he cherished.

After a year at Bloomfield College, Ed was drafted into the United States Army, where he served with honor in the 2nd Battalion, 25th Infantry Division. His bravery in Vietnam earned him three Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star Medal with a “V” device for valor.

Upon returning home, Ed began a career with New Jersey Bell and later joined AT&T, where he rose to the position of Telecom Systems Engineer. He also dedicated over 16 years as a volunteer firefighter with the Marcella Fire Department in New Jersey.

Ed met the love of his life, Sharon, while working at the VA Hospital in East Orange, NJ. They recently celebrated 49 years of marriage in September. Seventeen years ago, they moved to Ocean Ridge in North Carolina, drawn by their shared love of the beach. There, Ed embraced retirement and became a passionate member of the local community.

His hobbies included gardening at Ocean Ridge Plantation, where he cultivated not only plants but lifelong friendships. Ed was deeply committed to environmental and community causes, volunteering with the Sunset Beach Turtle Watch Program and serving as a trained Bird Island Steward. He also gave over a decade of service to the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Department, reflecting his enduring support for first responders.

Ed is survived by his devoted wife, Sharon; his daughter, Melissa; his son, Justin, and his older sister, Connie McConville. He was pre-deceased by his sister Margaret Gutknecht-Pierce and brother, Joseph John Gutknecht. He was deeply loved by many and loved his family and friends, who held a special place in his heart. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, friendship, and unwavering dedication to family and community.

The Gutknecht family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who offered prayers, support, and kindness during Ed’s final months. Your compassion brought immense comfort.

A Funeral Mass will be conducted on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 10:00am in St. Brendan, the Navigator Catholic Church. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or the Sunset Beach Turtle Watch Program—organizations close to Ed’s heart.

Donation Links:

Tunnel To Towers Foundation: Donate - Tunnel to Towers Foundation

Sunset Beach Turtle Program: Welcome to the Sunset Beach Sea Turtle Watch (SSBTWP)