Dr. Edward V. McAssey, Jr., 86

October 16, 2021

Dr. Edward V. McAssey Jr., 86, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 16, 2021 surrounded by his family. Edward was the husband of Anne Buckley McAssey with whom he shared 63 years of marriage. Born in Queens, NY he was the son of the late Edward V. Sr., and Anne Marie Terzien McAssey. He earned both his Bachelor and Master of Mechanical Engineering degrees from Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute, and his Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. McAssey was a professor of Mechanical Engineering, teaching at Villanova University for 40 years. During his tenure at Villanova, he served as interim Dean of the Engineering College, and as the Chair of the Mechanical Engineering Department. He was awarded the Lindback Award for Outstanding Teaching at the University. He also had served as the James R. Birle Endowed Chair. Edward was an US Army Veteran and earned his Lieutenant commission through ROTC.

Ed genuinely loved his time at Villanova teaching and challenging students, working with colleagues or attending Mass at the Chapel. An avid Wildcat basketball fan, he also enjoyed attending the theatre, and group tours to Ireland. Ed’s influence on his students extended beyond the classroom, as he often continued to mentor, and visit with former students throughout their careers. His deep faith in God and the importance of serving others was evident in all he did.

When Ed retired, he happily devoted his time to volunteering. He was always busy trying to help others and serve the community with his generous spirit. He served on the school board of St Peter the Apostle in Philadelphia, as well as delivering food to Mission Santa Maria in Kennett Square. He especially enjoyed volunteering at St Agnes Day Room, providing hospitality and a smile to all those in need. Ed was always generous with his time, many talents or his energy.

Most of all, Ed valued his time spent with his family. Whether it was relaxing at the beach, celebrating birthdays or holidays, or making pancakes for his grandkids, he was at his happiest. Ed took the time to get to know each of his grandchildren and they all felt cherished and loved by their Pop.

He is survived by his wife Anne, his son Edward III and his wife Linda, his daughter Mary and her husband Michael Krueger, his son James, and his daughter Katherine and her husband John Brandon; his 14 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren; and by his sisters Maureen and her husband Robert St. Jean, and Eileen Groves and sister-in-law Sister Margaret Buckley, Sisters of St Joseph.

Friends will be received by Edward’s family on Monday, October 25, 2021 from 9:30-10:45 AM at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 1325 Boot Rd., West Chester, PA. There will be a family eulogy promptly at 10:45AM, with the Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11AM. Interment will follow in St. Agnes Catholic Cemetery.

Click here to view livestreamed service.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Edward’s memory to Amigos de Jesus, PO Box 476 Malvern, PA 19355 or to the Augustinian Defenders of the Rights of The Poor, 2130 South 21st St., Philadelphia, PA 19145.

Dr. McAssey’s family respectfully requests that all who attend the visitation and the Mass wear a mask.

Watch the tribute video