Born into one of Pittsburgh’s many blue-collar steel mill communities, Edward learned the meaning of hard work at a young age. At a mere nine years old, he took on his first job as a paperboy, rising well before dawn each day to deliver the news to his neighbors.
Service and hard work echoed throughout Edward’s lifetime. First he took a job in public service at the Sherriff’s department; then he joined the military during the Korean War. When he returned from service, 16-hour days greeted him at the Union Railroad. Finally, as an insurance broker, Edward’s career winded down.
Through good times and bad, Edward would save and donate to worthwhile causes--then live on what was left.
These values became Edward’s greatest passions. No matter how much money he brought home, he always saved 25 percent of his check. Giving back was also important, and he freely contributed to help others, always managing to get by on what remained.
As mills failed and parishes closed in the Pennsylvania suburbs, Catholic families like his remained fiercely loyal to their neighborhoods. Many held on by practicing thrift and charity. Edward continued to give his hard-earned money, but he also gave of himself, serving as a Eucharistic minister at his parish. Even as he entered his golden years, he brought communion to as many as 51 of his homebound fellow parishioners.
His faith led him to focus his charitable giving to Catholic ministries like Sacred Heart Southern Missions. When Edward retired, our charitable gift annuities allowed him to continue giving while supplementing his income. He now has two annuities.
“They’re a good deal,” Edward explained. “I live on the annuity payments. I like that the remainder goes to Sacred Heart when I pass away.”
Edward’s spirit of thrift and charity has sustained him throughout life. Through planned giving he has enabled his generous spirit to live on.
You too can leave a legacy of giving! For more information on annuities and all of our planned giving options, call us toll free at 888.217.4829.