Edward Wyrsch, life-long sports fan, track star, youth sports organizer, veteran, IRS retiree

Edward James Wyrsch passed away on August 4, 2024 at his home in Haymarket, VA surrounded by his loved ones.

Ed was born on Dec. 5, 1941 in New York City. He was predeceased by his parents William James Wyrsch and Mildred (Lutz) Wyrsch.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Carolyn Irwin Wyrsch, his three children - Elizabeth Mary Wyrsch-Ba (Gando), Kathleen Mary Wyrsch and Matthew Gilbert Wyrsch (Carolyn), his six grandchildren - Adama Ba, Edward Wyrsch, Zachariah Ba, Boyd Wyrsch, Campbell Wyrsch and Casey Wyrsch, his brothers Raymond Wyrsch (Claire) and Richard Wyrsch, his brother-in-law Gilbert R. Irwin, Jr. (Patricia) and his six nieces and nephews – Joan Irwin, Mary Davison (Eric), Kara Anderson (Brian), Amy Irwin, Eileen Stammler (Tyson) and Michael Wyrsch (Carla), and many grand nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Besides his family, Ed’s life revolved around sports. Ed was a life-long, devout fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. He moved from New York back to his family roots in St. Louis, Missouri in 1951.  His family moved back to New Jersey in 1956.

Ed was a decorated track star where he earned the name “Fast Eddy” at Seton Hall Preparatory School and Seton Hall University in New Jersey. 
Among countless other track awards, he earned multiple New Jersey State Championships and for many years was nationally ranked in the mile and half mile.  His two-mile relay team earned a spot in the Guiness Book of World Records in 1963.

He would affectionately say though, he did not pursue the Olympics because of President John F. Kennedy’s speech – “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”  So instead of continuing his track career, he served his country in the United States Army.  He served active duty from 1963-68 as an Intelligence Officer in West Germany.  He continued service in the Army Reserves until 1991, where he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Ed and Carolyn built their home in Haymarket, Virginia in 1979, where he also developed an affinity for the Baltimore Orioles (formerly the St. Louis Browns).  There he spent his career working for the Federal Government (IRS).

After retiring, he continued working for several tax firms until the end of his life and was the Treasurer of the non-profit, Medical Missionaries for more than 25 years.  He was the most energetic, knowledgeable tax man who generously shared his wealth of experience with anyone who needed help.  For his friends and family, this was easy to understand as he was an instant friend to everyone who he met. 

Ed was an active member of All Saints Church in Manassas where he was involved with the Knights of Columbus and was an usher.  After surviving an un-survivable stroke in 2015, he joined St. Katherine Drexel in Haymarket.  He continued to live a beautiful and fulfilled life with the endless support of his devoted wife and family. 

Ed was also very involved in youth sports and touched countless lives while doing so—whether it was coaching his children’s sports teams, umpiring youth sports, developing the first girls’ softball program in Haymarket, or serving as a treasurer for the Gainesville District Baseball League or the Gainesville District Basketball Association, long after his children grew out of the programs.  He continued to follow and support all his grandchildren in their sports endeavors.

Ed was the most loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend.  He loved to travel and spend time with his family.  His grandchildren were his pride and joy and he loved watching them grow.  He understood the true value of friendship and family and showed that every day of his life.  He will be dearly missed by all who had the honor to know him. 

In Ed’s words “I have had a good life mainly because of the excellent decision that I made to make Carolyn the most important person in my life.”

Pierce Funeral Home, Manassas, had charge of arrangements.