Ed Lowry '62

(1944- 2015)

Coming from Kensington, another St. Hugh parish alum, Ed Lowry was a two-time varsity player for North Catholic under Hall of Fame Coach Father Daniel McLernan. As a junior and senior Lowry helped the Falcons to a PCL Championship. He was named All-Catholic after his senior year.

Ed volunteered for military service with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era (09/63-09/65). While in the Army he served with the 2nd Infantry Division, the 11th Air Assault Division. Ed ended his Army service in September 1965, serving with the Headquarters Battery, 77th Artillery, 1st Cavalry Air Mobile Division.

Upon leaving the military, Ed served as a Police Officer in Philadelphia from April 1966 until October 1974. In 1980, while serving as Director of Veteran Affairs at Bucks County Community College, Ed received his Masters of Education Degree from the College of the State of New Jersey. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Temple University with a major emphasis in Psychology/Criminology/Social Pathology.

After his service was completed Ed Co-founded the Veterans Multi-Service Center (VMC) in 1980 to address the multiple needs of Vietnam Veterans. Since that time the programs and assistance have grown and diversified to encompass the needs of Veterans of all wars and conflicts, up to and including Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation New Dawn Veterans. VMCs mission is to recognize, address and advocate for the evolving needs of Veterans, forward through time and generation, with an unselfish commitment to service through individualized assistance and support in a dignified and holistic approach. Our Mission also is to provide services, programs, opportunity and advancement to Veterans of the U.S. military and their families. Lowry retired as CEO after 33 years of dedicated service to America’s most needy Veterans.

Ed was one of the founding fathers of the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Penn’s Landing dedicated to the 646 Philadelphians who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War. In 2002, Ed was appointed to the national Veterans Employment and Training Committee by U.S. Secretary of Labor, Elaine L. Chao. He served on this committee for 4 years.