WILMINGTON — Edward Michael Lillis (age 78), passed away in Wilmington, North Carolina (NC) on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, during a bicycling and automobile accident. An avid cyclist his entire life, he rode his bicycle well into his 70s and was still doing 20-mile rides to this day. He spent his final
moments here on Earth doing what he loved.
Ed was born in Jersey City, New Jersey (NJ), on June 23,1944 to the late Thomas and Kathryn Lillis. He received his education from RCA Institutes and Strayer University. Before moving to North Carolina, Ed resided in Leesburg, Virginia (VA) for many years with his family, working for L3Harris Technologies, Inc. as a database developer, where he worked on the design and integration of marine platform control systems for U.S. naval customers. Ed continued to work for L3 part-time after moving to Carolina Shores, NC (2017) and Wilmington, NC (2022) and was recognized for being the company’s longest serving employee, with over 53 years of service to the organization.
Ed was a Christian man of strong faith and a light in this world. He enjoyed studying the Bible and sharing the word of God through fellowship with others, using his experiences in life to positively impact those around him. His community involvement included being a member of the Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company and most recently, as a member of the safety patrol at Lifepoint Church in Wilmington.
In addition to cycling, he loved reading, history, exercising, computers, electronics, and gadgets.
Ed was predeceased by his wife of 38 years, Diane Lillis, Carolina Shores, NC. He is survived by his daughter Abigail Trimpey (Thomas), Ashburn, VA and sons Michael Lillis, Alexandria, VA, and Aaron Lillis, Ashburn, VA; granddaughters Keana and Lila Trimpey, Ashburn, VA; brothers James Lillis (Mary Anne), Brick, NJ and Thomas Lillis (Maureen), Barnegat, NJ; and his significant other, Francine Tumolo, Wilmington, NC.
He was a loving father and grandfather, an extremely hard worker, and a kind, gentle soul, always providing the wisdom and guidance that was needed. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends who had the privilege of knowing him and will be forever in our hearts.
A memorial service will be announced at a future date.
