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Remembering
Edward J. Marbet
Burlington Township Fire Department — New Jersey
Classification: Volunteer
Rank: Firefighter
Date of Death: February 9, 2006
Age: 31
Ed was introduced to the fire service during
his high school years, just hanging
around the fire station. He joined
his hometown volunteer department
— Independent 301 — in
Burlington Township. It became
a passion, which led him to
serve 14 years with various
fire departments. Ed’s
accomplishments with the
BTFD included a Unit
Citation Rescue in 2000,
Independent Lieutenant
in 2001 & 2005, and Top
Ten Responder for 2004.
He died while rescuing
family members from a
fire at his own home.
Ed was an avid sports person.
He participated in football,
basketball, wrestling,
track and baseball during high
school and beyond. At an early
age, Ed knew he wanted to become
involved in Mortuary Science. Losing
his 16-year-old sister Jeannette to cancer
in 1986 was a big influence. Ed pursued his
education in this field and became involved with a
local funeral home. He started his own limo service,
Passions, which flourished. It would be a sight to see
Ed come in and out of the house, fire department,
or any event in a suit, sportswear or fire gear. Ed was
the modern “Superman,” changing the many hats he
chose to take on. Passion for people and the opportunity
to do for others is what made Ed a valuable
resource. The “Big Teddy Bear,” as many referred to
him, who was always there for anyone at any time. Ed
had a great sense of humor and a wonderful persona.
Ed often helped the Ladies Auxiliary, of which
his mother, Joan, was a member. He
would have music blasting, broom
in hand, and away he went, twisting
and singing, giving everyone
around a cheerful rise. He
was a devoted son, brother,
uncle and friend. In 2001,
Ed’s mom passed away, and
once again he was the hero
to the rescue. He was there
at her last breath and saw
that arrangements were
perfectly completed to
give a loving mother a
befitting tribute. This was
a time in which air was
taken out of Ed’s ever giving
sails, and he needed to
step back and regroup. With
family and friends, he kept his
passions alive and fruitful. Ed
and his father, Charles, were left
to be bachelors and build upon an
already strong father and son bond.
Ed participated in many of the department’s
venues where children were involved, such as Fire
Prevention Weeks at school, Operation Santa Rides
and safety classes. Children were always a soft spot
in his heart. Although Ed never got to marry, he was
godfather to many and uncle to three special children
— Carl, Jeannette, and Josette Eckhardt, children of
his sister Donnamarie.
Ed will forever shine in our hearts and memories. His
presence will always be missed and remembered.