Ed Davis

John Edward Davis

John Edward Davis, born George Edward to Regis and Louise Flaherty, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was born on January 1, 1942, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Following the loss of his mother at his birth, he was lovingly adopted by his maternal grandparents, Josephine and Henry Davis, who gave him the name John Edward Davis, known to many by Ed and raised him as their own.

At just 18 years old, Ed moved to Chicago to live with his brother and begin a new chapter in his life. It was there, that he met the love of his life, Lorraine. The two were married in 1963, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love, family, hard work, and adventure.

Ed began his career working for R&R Donley, West Irving Plumbing, and Adler Plumbing. In 1981, after being laid off, he turned adversity into opportunity and founded LRT Enterprises, a plumbing service business whose name was inspired by his three children, Lori, Randy, and Trisha—a quiet but lasting tribute to what mattered most to him. Ed's love for animals commonly resucued as the family dogs.

A deep commitment to public service was woven throughout Ed's life, continuing a tradition established by his late father-in-law, who was the first Mayor of Harwood Heights in the Village of Harwood Heights. He generously gave his time and talents in countless ways, serving as a Cub Scout leader, School Board member, baseball coach, Public Works employee, Code Enforcer, Campaign Manager, Vestry Member of St. Alban's,zoning board and Village Trustee. Ed believed in showing up for his community, and he did so again and again.

In 1989, Ed and Lorraine embarked on another adventure together when they opened a TCBY Yogurt shop and purchased a "farm" in Michigan, affectionately known to the family as "the cottage." It became a special place filled with memories and simple pleasures. Ed could often be found cutting the grass at the cottage, taking the pontoon boat out for tours of Lake Muskrat, cheering on the Bears, or adding to his many, many collections of "things" that somehow always seemed to tell a story about the man himself.

But above every accomplishment, title, or adventure, Ed's greatest joy was his family. He resided with Lorraine in the home where she grew up for 63 years. Proudly, and above every other title he held, he was "Papa" to The Great 8, his grandchildren. His love for his family was at the center of his life, and the memories he created with them will be cherished for generations to come.

Ed leaves behind a legacy of love, family, service, perseverance, and a life well lived. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In Lieu of flowers, donations to the Special Olympics and Friends of Forest Preserve would be appreciated.

Visitation for Ed will take place on Monday, August 10, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Cumberland Chapels, 8300 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge, Illinois. Interment will follow at Town of Maine Cemetery in Park Ridge, Illinois.