We are very sad to announce that Mr. Alan Ebersole, a resident who was part of the fabric of Fanwood for over 60 years, passed away in his home this week at the age of 94.
Mr. Ebersole was to be honored as a Grand Marshal in the upcoming Memorial Day parade. As a World War II veteran, Mr. Ebersole served in the Army, enlisting in 1942 and rising to the rank of Squadron Sergeant. In the Spring of 1943, he was sent to Japan and served in Midway, among other places. In an interview last week, Mr. Ebersole said, “We beat our enemies in World War II because we could outproduce them with all elements of war, I was proud to be a part of that moment in history”. Ebersole’s father was a World War I veteran, making serving his country an easy decision, “the world made us tougher back then, but I would do anything to help other people,” said Ebersole.
After being discharged from the Air Force in 1946, Mr. Ebersole went on to work for the New Jersey Bell Telephone Company for 37 years before retiring in 1983. However, Mr. Ebersole was always very involved in his community. He was a volunteer with the Flintlocks, a group of veterans who did projects with the Boy Scouts, and a registered Boy Scout for over 80 years. Involved with scouting since the age of 13, Mr. Ebersole started his journey as a Scout in Westfield Troop 77. “Young people are our future,” Mr. Ebersole told The Leader and The Scotch Plains Fanwood Times in 2011, “I feel if you don’t put time into youth, you are weakening our country.” Mr. Ebersole also helped establish and operate the highly successful Fanwood Recycling Center for over 30 years until its closure in 2016.
Alan raised his entire family in Fanwood, and said he would do anything for this town. He will be greatly missed by all Fanwoodians. His selflessness and community spirit are rare and the memory of his life should serve as an inspiration for us all.
Mr. Ebersole will be posthumously honored during May 29th Memorial Day services and parade. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this sad time. Visitation will be at Memorial Funeral Home. Details should be available at www.fanwoodmemorial.com shortly.
