RAWA, EDWARD GERALD ("Ed"), 76, a resident of Winter Park since 1973, died on January 24, 2018.
He was Catholic and a member of Saint Margaret Mary Church in Winter Park.

Born on September 7, 1941, in Erie, Pennsylvania, Ed was the eldest of three children of Edward and Teresa Rawa. He was raised in Pennsylvania and graduated from Holy Trinity Grade School (1955), Cathedral Preparatory School (1959), and Gannon University (1964). He also attended St. Mark's Seminary and St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore (MD). Ed earned a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Florida State University (1966) and won grants from both the Veterans Administration and National Institutes.

Ed joined the United Way and served as the Executive Director of the United Way of Central Florida (1977-1992). He later served as the Regional Director of Catholic Social Services for the Diocese of Orlando. He retired (2006) after a forty-year professional career in non-profit community service.

Ed married Mannee J. Vanduser a week after their respective graduations from Florida State University. She survives him along with their two children, Edward J. Rawa and Julia M. Rawa; sisters, Diane (PA) and Delores (RI); as well as four grandchildren, seven nieces and nephews, and thirty-five first cousins. Edward walked faithfully with God.

He devoted his life to helping others and remains an inspiration to all those fortunate enough to know him.

Services shall be held for family and friends at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Winter Park. Please call or refer back to our website with updated service information.

Memorials may be made to Cathedral Preparatory School (PA) or Catholic Charities.