Edwin Elsworth Coldsmith

Edwin “Ed” Elsworth Coldsmith, age 73, of Mechanicsburg, died at home unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.  Ed was born on Friday, August 11, 1950, in Waynesboro to Quinten Henninger Coldsmith Sr and Betty Ruth Carbaugh (Snyder) Koons.  Ed was preceded in death by his brother: Quinten Henninger Coldsmith Jr.  

Ed’s survivors include his wife of 48 years, Elizabeth “Libby” (Marcinko) Coldsmith; his son: Matthew Evan Coldsmith and his wife, Leigh Ann, of Becktelsville; his father: Quinten Henninger Coldsmith Sr of Waynesboro; his mother: Betty Ruth Carbaugh (Snyder) Koons of Williamsport, MD;  his grandson: Owen Henry Coldsmith;  his 5 siblings: Gary Coldsmith and his wife, Donna, of Chesapeake, MD; Ron Coldsmith of Waynesboro; Dawn Dee Wilkes and her husband, Rod, of Coatesville; Todd Koons and his wife, Mary, of Waynesboro; and Tim Koons and his wife, Robyn, of Fairfield.  

Ed graduated from Waynesboro Area High School as part of the class of 1968 and from Harrisburg Area Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Accounting and graduated from Penn State University Capital Campus with a BA in Humanities.  Ed served in the Air Force during the Vietnam era.  He retired from the Public School Employees’ Retirement System in 2011, after many years of service working as an accountant.  Ed was a member of Grantham Church, BIC in Mechanicsburg.  He was an avid reader of science fiction and had a curious mind.  He currently followed the progress of SpaceX.  He thoroughly researched space travel and loved discussing his passion with others.  Ed designed the additions to he and Libby’s home, built garden structures, and other projects. He always took the time to research properly to ensure his work was done well.  Of late, Ed enjoyed building Legos with Owen.  His grandson’s interest in model trains inspired Ed to build a train layout surrounding a specially-lit Christmas tree all fitting into the living room each year. He will be missed.  

All are welcome to join Ed’s family at his viewing on Saturday, September 9, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and his service beginning at 11:45 a.m. at Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Pastor David Flowers officiating.  Ed’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at Buhrig’s Gathering Place (next to the funeral home) immediately following the service.  Burial will follow the reception in Grantham Memorial Park.  

Ed’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Ed’s full obituary, view his memorial video, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.