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Edward “Ed” P. Rowady, 96, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, at his residence in Grosse Pointe with his wife of 60 years by his side. He was a dedicated husband, father, brother, son, friend, mentor, singer, Kentuckian, “Wildcat,” Grosse Pointer and U.S. Army veteran. Ed was born May 31, 1928, in Winchester, Ky., to Lebanese immigrants, Rose Jabbour and Alexander Rowady. He was the youngest of seven children. Setting the backdrop for much of his early life, Ed lost his father in 1936, at age 8. He was raised through the Great Depression and World War II by his non-English-speaking mother, older siblings, and the warm generosity of fellow merchants from their Main Street neighborhood. In his youth, Ed was highly influenced by the singing and dancing of popular entertainers of the era such as Fred Astaire and Frank Sinatra. In turn, Ed went on to become the “lead crooner” for his high school swing band, the Southland Ragadors. He also played in the brass section of his college marching band and sang in various choral groups throughout his life. Ed earned degrees in metallurgical engineering, including a bachelor’s degree with high distinction from the University of Kentucky and a master’s degree from Lehigh University. He also was elected to the honorary fraternity, Tau Beta Pi. Ed volunteered for military service toward the end of the Korean conflict, during which he served as a U.S. Army technical specialist. Initially rooming with his brother, Lewis, a renowned local socialite, Ed settled in Detroit in 1956 to begin his career as a senior research metallurgist for Eaton Corp. This was a multi-decade professional journey that had him making key developmental contributions to numerous innovative automotive systems. Ed held several U.S. and foreign patents. In 1964, Ed married his “Ginger Rogers,” native Eastside Detroiter, Judith Ellen Raines. They settled in Grosse Pointe Farms to raise a family. Over the years, Ed was active with the Grosse Pointe Senior Men’s Club, Grosse Pointe United Church Board of Trustees and The Villagers dance club. Ed was also an avid golfer and a vocal armchair enthusiast for all Detroit sports, including six mostly painful decades as a Lions fan. He also enjoyed U.K. basketball and the Kentucky Derby. Ed is survived by his wife, Judy; sons, E. Paul Jr., John (Kelli), Daniel (Xochitl) and Michael; and grandchildren, Eddie III, Alexandra “Alex”, Natalie, Jacquiline “Jackie” and Emma. Visitation takes place 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, at Verheyden Funeral Home, 16300 Mack, Grosse Pointe Park. A memorial service will occur at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 6, at Grosse Pointe Memorial Church, 16 Lakeshore, Grosse Pointe Farms. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The War Memorial’s Patriotic Programming Fund, warmemorial.org/support.