Edward Jacob Bach

Ed, a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, went home to rest in the loving arms of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. He passed away peacefully at his home in Mount Airy, Georgia, on Monday, July 27, 2026.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Karen Sessions Bach; his five sons and their families: Alex and Sherine Bach of Zephyrhills, Florida; Justin and Tiffany Bach of Fort Myers, Florida; Christopher Bach of Cape Coral, Florida; Nicholas and Millissa Bach of Decatur, Illinois; and Edward and Kelly Bach of Sevierville, Tennessee. He was the proud grandfather of 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren and was also blessed with numerous nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by his brother, George Bach of Doylesburg, Pennsylvania; and his sisters, Darlene Stone of Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, and Pamela Stone of Allentown, Pennsylvania.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Edna Bach, and his sister, Rose.

Ed was born in Frankfurt, Germany, while his father was stationed there with the United States Army. After returning to the United States, the family lived briefly in Arkansas before settling in their hometown of Duquesne, Pennsylvania. He attended St. Joseph's Catholic School and graduated from Duquesne High School. After graduation, he worked for a short time in one of Pittsburgh's steel mills until a serious injury changed the course of his life.

Following a lengthy recovery, Ed began working at McKeesport Hospital before relocating to Tampa, Florida, in 1981. He then dedicated nearly four decades of service to St. Joseph's Hospital, working in the Emergency Department and later in the Bayflight MEDCOM Communications Center. He retired in 2018 after a career devoted to helping others.

In 2020, Ed and Karen moved to the foothills of the Northeast Georgia mountains, where they enjoyed the beauty of the changing seasons and the lower humidity. Ed became an active member of Cornelia Christian Church and faithfully served until declining health limited his participation.

Throughout his years in Tampa, Ed was known as a dedicated parent volunteer. He spent countless hours supporting his children and many others through the Tampa Bay Youth Football League, Citrus Park Little League, Town 'N Country Youth Soccer, and the YMCA Roller Hockey program. Although he never considered himself athletic, he was always willing to help in any way he could, making sure every child had the opportunity to enjoy the experience.

His commitment to young people extended beyond sports. Ed served as an AWANA group leader at First Baptist Church of Citrus Park, Cubmaster of Pack 648, and Assistant Scoutmaster and Committee Chair of Boy Scout Troop 18. When their original troop dissolved, Ed and Karen played an instrumental role in establishing the new Troop 18. He loved camping, canoeing, tubing, outdoor adventures, and teaching practical skills to young people. He also had a well-known fondness for hats and accumulated quite a collection over the years.

Honoring Ed's wishes, he will be cremated and laid to rest in the small cemetery in Karen's hometown.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall of Cornelia Christian Church, 1244 U.S. Highway 441 Bypass, Cornelia, Georgia 30531, officiated by Minister Greg Miller. A visitation and brunch will immediately follow. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and share in a time of remembrance and fellowship.

A Committal Service will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Largo Municipal Cemetery, 1232 Jasper Street, Largo, Florida 33770, officiated by Pastor Mark Nunes of Sheldon Road First Baptist Church. All are welcome to attend.

Because Ed loved hats of every kind, Karen has asked that everyone honor his memory by wearing a favorite hat to either service. Whether it's a fishing hat, straw hat, baseball cap, sports team cap, bucket hat, camouflage hat, work-logo cap, Greek fisherman's cap, or any other favorite, all head coverings are welcome as a joyful tribute to Ed's unique personality.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in Ed's memory.

Ed will be remembered for the warmth he extended, the time he generously gave to others, and the steadfast love that defined his life—as a husband, father, grandfather, mentor, volunteer, outdoorsman, and faithful servant of Christ. His kindness, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to his family, friends, church, and community leave a legacy that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.

Please share memories with the family at www.nationalcremation.com.