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.
3 Comments
My wife Marie and I extend our sorrow and sympathy to Ed’s family for his untimely passing. He was one of the good guys. Ed’s dad is my mother’s brother. RIP Ed! Dick Morrissey.
I worked with Ed at L3 Harris. What I remember most was that Ed was always ready to help a colleague, with patience, kindness, and good humor. The world is a lesser place without him. My condolences to the family. He will be missed.
We are grieved to hear of Ed’s passing, but are reassured with the knowledge that he is celebrating in the presence of our King. He truly was a kind, thoughtful and generous man and we will miss his presence in our lives.
Add Condolence Message