Edward Joseph Motley

Edward Joseph Motley, a life long resident of Mount Carbon, passed away peacefully, at his home.  Husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, hero, and best friend.

Ed, age 87, was born on September 15, 1931 in Mount Carbon, the son of the late Frank and Theresa (Reifsnyder) Motley.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Georgine Schafer Motley in December of 2015, siblings: Mildred Centelege, and Frank Motley, and granddaughter, Karen Marie Motley.

He attended the Mount Carbon one-room school house, which later became the Mount Carbon Fire Company.  

On February 14, 1947, a small boy, Bobby Ernst, fell through the ice and into the pond, across the street from the Mount Carbon School. At the age of 15, Edward ran past the teacher and the other students, plunged into the icy water and brought young Bobby to safety.  

Ed also attended Pottsville Area High School, and left at the age of 17 to join the U.S. Army.  He was a proud veteran of the Korean War. Ed was also a member of the American Legion, Post 38 in Schuylkill Haven.

Ed was a past President and Life member of the Mount Carbon Fire Company, and a member of the former St. Francis De Sales Church in Mount Carbon.

Ed worked for ALCOA for 45 years.  He retired in 1993.

Ed is survived by five children. Donna Filer and her husband Ken of Avondale, PA; Ron and his wife Karen of Allentown, PA; Bill and his wife Bernie of Norwood, PA; Denise Zawada of Pottsville, PA and her partner Dave Parsons; and Duane and his wife Josie of Bath, 12 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, sister, Doris Motley, Pottsville, and brother, Thomas Motley, Wymoissing.

Services will be private.  In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Mount Carbon Fire Company, 122 Main St., Pottsville, PA 17901.

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