By Joseph Myers
Editor’s Note: This story by Joseph Myers previously appeared in the Oct. 11, 2012 issue in which Ed McBride was recognized as a Difference Maker.
His self-confessed lack of will power has enabled Ed McBride to enrich local children’s lives for 47 years. As the lone president in the 51-year
history of the Edward O’Malley Athletic Association, 144 Moore St., the resident of the 300 block of Fitzgerald Street has stressed allegiance to strengthening one’s physical and emotional makeup, with other ventures transforming him into a local version of the Energizer Bunny.
“I have been fortunate to be around a great group of people,” the 74-year-old said in a 2012 interview of his tenure at the Pennsport location, which has proven a second home for 35,000 youths. “The results show in the amount of upstanding community members we have helped to produce.”
The 1955 graduate of Southeast Catholic High School also has striven to pro- mote communal pride as the vice president of The Millay Club, his alma mater’s alumni body; financial secretary for the Quaker City String Band, 1942 S. Third St., and the secretary-treasurer for Center City’s Casa Farnese, a senior apartment complex.
“I love all that I am doing, so I see no reason to wind down,” McBride, who re- tired last year from his post with IBEW Local Union 98, said. “In fact, my paid work had begun to get in the way of what I really desire to do.”
His affiliation with his most recent employer has allowed the former print- ing business owner to enhance his charitable nature, as Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas gifts have made their way into needy households. His full calendar has necessitated a need to manage his bound- less energy among what he essentially said amounts to four families: EOM, Neumann-Goretti, Quaker City and his actual clan, including his three sons.
“I have incredible daughters-in-law, too, and they’re trying to see which obligations I can part with gradually because it seems I say ‘yes’ to people too often,” McBride said.
As the elder thrives on interacting with passionate people to promote worthwhile causes, he cannot rule out that another community initiative will not receive his dedication. Blessed with a willingness to do whatever he needs to see youngsters achieve, he has found his EOM time his most rewarding experience.
“It gives me great satisfaction to see good things happen,” he said. “If my participation inspires someone who may have been wavering on becoming involved, especially at my age, I feel fortunate.”
