Edward Diller Lowry
January 7, 1944 ~ December 7, 2019
Born in Baltimore, MD on January 7, 1944, the only child of Herbert and Eva Lowry (deceased). He attended Patterson High School, one of the few co-ed public schools at the time. At 17 years of age, Ed was in a serious automobile accident that left him without his dominant hand. With a lot of hard work, Ed taught himself how to function and handle the “ins and outs” of everyday using his left hand. Although this was hard as a young man, he never let this be a reason to not pursue his dreams. He obtained a full scholarship to attend Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College). He graduated Suma Cumlaude with a B.A. in Economics. Ed was awarded a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship, allowing him to complete his Master’s in Economics at the University of Pennsylvania. Ed started his Doctoral degree from the University of New York, but was unable to complete it due to commitments with work and family.
Ed loved his job and found a great deal of pride in his career. He started working in the summers at The C&P Phone Company. At a seminar that included executives from AT&T, he learned that the future was bright in telecommunications. So in July of 1969, he joined AT&T for what would be a lifelong career in regulatory affairs. Over the years, he focused on the economics of regulation and worked on state regulatory matters, access charges, and interconnection policy. He also served as a liaison for the company with the academic community, doing research in the regulatory field. He joined Bell Atlantic in 1983 after the Bell System break-up, where he continued to influence public policy issues and was a subject expert in dealings with the FCC. When Ed retired at the end of 2000, he was Executive Director of Federal Regulatory Policy and Planning for Verizon Communications. He also served as a member of Michigan State Public Utilities and the advisory boards of KMB Video and the International Engineering Consortium. He is a recipient of the Wall Street Journal Award in Economics.
Ed married his sweetheart after 7.5 years of dating. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 17, 2019 surrounded by family and friends. Ed and Terri settled initially in New Jersey and moved to Oakton, Virginia, in 1983, which is still their home. One of his greatest accomplishments is his three children: Alicia, Mark, and Beth. The family grew when he gained two son-in-laws, Chuck Lorence (Alicia) and James Mills (Beth). Ed took a lot of pride in his six grandchildren: Brennan (16), Bryce (14), and Brett Lorence (12), and Paul (14), Cash (11), and Presley Mills (5). He enjoyed planning trips like going to the OBX, Disney, and the Lake as a family of thirteen, creating magical memories that will live on forever.
Once retiring, Ed found plenty to keep him on the go and busy serving others. Ed loved his home church of 37 years, Vale United Methodist,in Oakton, VA. He spearheaded many committees and fundraising opportunities such as feeding hungry children in Fairfax County and beyond, The Giant dollar program, special events, etc (too many to list). Ed joined the board at the Shepherd's Center in January 2015. At the Shepherd’s Center, he was active on the fundraising committee, driving seniors without transportation to doctor's appointments, friendly visitors program, and Co-Chair of the congregational advisory committee. Ed was always eager to find ways to serve and help others in the community or network for a cause.
Ed was known for his quick wit, his gift of gab, and relentless pursuit of opportunities to serve and give back to his community and to others. As a father, he worked endless hours to provide for his family and give them more than he had. He strived to teach the importance of hard work, the value of faith, and the importance of family. He was a mentor and friend to many (he never met a stranger) and he will be sorely missed by those who love him. He leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Ed to one of the two organizations. The family has developed a college scholarship in his name at Vale United Methodist Church, merging his two passions of education and faith. Donations can be made directly on the church website at https://pushpay.com/g/valechurch?src=hpp or you can mail a check to Vale Church at 11528 Vale Rd, Oakton, VA 22124 (put in the memo line Ed Lowry Scholarship). Donations can also be made to The Shepherds Center, a local nonprofit that Ed spent lots of time supporting. Donations can be made using the following link: https://www.scov.org/donate
Ed loved his job and found a great deal of pride in his career. He started working in the summers at The C&P Phone Company. At a seminar that included executives from AT&T, he learned that the future was bright in telecommunications. So in July of 1969, he joined AT&T for what would be a lifelong career in regulatory affairs. Over the years, he focused on the economics of regulation and worked on state regulatory matters, access charges, and interconnection policy. He also served as a liaison for the company with the academic community, doing research in the regulatory field. He joined Bell Atlantic in 1983 after the Bell System break-up, where he continued to influence public policy issues and was a subject expert in dealings with the FCC. When Ed retired at the end of 2000, he was Executive Director of Federal Regulatory Policy and Planning for Verizon Communications. He also served as a member of Michigan State Public Utilities and the advisory boards of KMB Video and the International Engineering Consortium. He is a recipient of the Wall Street Journal Award in Economics.
Ed married his sweetheart after 7.5 years of dating. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 17, 2019 surrounded by family and friends. Ed and Terri settled initially in New Jersey and moved to Oakton, Virginia, in 1983, which is still their home. One of his greatest accomplishments is his three children: Alicia, Mark, and Beth. The family grew when he gained two son-in-laws, Chuck Lorence (Alicia) and James Mills (Beth). Ed took a lot of pride in his six grandchildren: Brennan (16), Bryce (14), and Brett Lorence (12), and Paul (14), Cash (11), and Presley Mills (5). He enjoyed planning trips like going to the OBX, Disney, and the Lake as a family of thirteen, creating magical memories that will live on forever.
Once retiring, Ed found plenty to keep him on the go and busy serving others. Ed loved his home church of 37 years, Vale United Methodist,in Oakton, VA. He spearheaded many committees and fundraising opportunities such as feeding hungry children in Fairfax County and beyond, The Giant dollar program, special events, etc (too many to list). Ed joined the board at the Shepherd's Center in January 2015. At the Shepherd’s Center, he was active on the fundraising committee, driving seniors without transportation to doctor's appointments, friendly visitors program, and Co-Chair of the congregational advisory committee. Ed was always eager to find ways to serve and help others in the community or network for a cause.
Ed was known for his quick wit, his gift of gab, and relentless pursuit of opportunities to serve and give back to his community and to others. As a father, he worked endless hours to provide for his family and give them more than he had. He strived to teach the importance of hard work, the value of faith, and the importance of family. He was a mentor and friend to many (he never met a stranger) and he will be sorely missed by those who love him. He leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Ed to one of the two organizations. The family has developed a college scholarship in his name at Vale United Methodist Church, merging his two passions of education and faith. Donations can be made directly on the church website at https://pushpay.com/g/valechurch?src=hpp or you can mail a check to Vale Church at 11528 Vale Rd, Oakton, VA 22124 (put in the memo line Ed Lowry Scholarship). Donations can also be made to The Shepherds Center, a local nonprofit that Ed spent lots of time supporting. Donations can be made using the following link: https://www.scov.org/donate
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
I met Ed at the Shepherd Center about 8 years ago. He was always eager to help others. Barbara Fitzsimmons, Church of the Holy Comforter
I haven’t seen Ed or Terri in decades, but we were in Youth Group together at Parkside United Methodist Church in Baltimore – the church in which we grew up. I have many good memories of Ed and Terri and send my best to Terri. Joyce Kraft
A candle was lit for the decedent.
Having worked for Ed at AT&T, I fondly remember what a sweet man he was, always good-natured and ready to help others whenever he could. Frank Hopwood, Vienna, VA
Ed has been a huge supporter of Wolf Trap for many, many years, a frequent organizer of group outings to concerts for his church and friends, attended countless Foundation functions as well as going on several of the special trips. He was a friend to many of us here. His cheerful personality, sage wisdom/advice, sense of humor and wonderful stories will be deeply missed. We will carry him always in our hearts.
One could write a book about Ed Lowry his character and his many accomplishments. Four years ago when Beryl and I began attending Vale Church Ed would march down the aisle in a humorous manner. People would laugh and I realized he made people happy. Soon it became apparent that Ed was very intelligent and he was a master at getting things done. Ed’s dedication to the church was legion. He was a very loyal servant; a true Christian Soldier. A close friendship developed between us. We talked nearly every day on the phone…primarily about the church. He was concerned about the present as well as the future. The morning of his accident we talked about the upcoming missions meeting. He went off to his medical appointment and I went off hunting. I was devastated when Beryl called on the cell phone describing what had happened. I still am devastated. During our brief lives we rarely have such a loving friend. His death leaves a large hole in my life; also in Beryl’s life and in so many other lives as well. We are so fortunate that he walked together with us on this planet earth. We must take comfort in remembering how he brought happiness to so many lives. God bless our memory of Ed Lowry John Colwell
When John and I first joined Vale Church four years ago, we had an instant friend in Ed. He showed a genuine interest in us, always positive and helpful. We were invited to regular events he organised together with his wife Terri, and also meals out that we absolutely loved. Ed was such great company. He was highly intelligent, had a great sense of humour, but most of all he had a kind and positive point of view, so needed in this world. I will miss him so much and I will try my very best to follow his great example.