Edward Kettaneh died peacefully at home with family and friends by his side on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. He was 77 years old. Predeceased by his brother Anthony Kettaneh, he is survived by his beloved sisters, Joyce Kettaneh Longworth and Lorna Kettaneh, his nieces and nephews Monica Longworth and Michael Coyne, Kim Longworth and James Wallis, Jennifer Longworth and Matt Meyer, Alys Longworth and Jon Hope, Leigh Kettaneh and Dan Wohlgemuth, Maya Shoemaker, Marina and Hendrik Dijkstra, and thirteen grandnieces and grandnephews.
Ed was born in New York City to the late Francis Kettaneh and Mary (Shoucair) Kettaneh. After graduating from Archmere Academy, he settled in Philadelphia, where he lived for the rest of his life, with jaunts to the Jersey shore and stays with Joyce, Ruskin and their daughters in the countryside. He felt deeply for his adopted City of Brotherly Love, gaining an encyclopedic knowledge of its out-of-the-way places, libraries, lunch counters, and especially ice cream shops. He celebrated his retirement last fall after fifty years with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, where he enjoyed an abundance of friends and colleagues, and was a gentle, friendly mentor for many. In his own community, Ed’s many friends hailed him as trivia master and chess strategist. His wry humor, gently mischievous sense of fun, and honest spirit made him a cherished friend. He was a peerless and loving uncle.
Ed had the special gift, in his own quiet way, of transforming the big city into a small town, his neighborhood into a community, and strangers into friends. We miss you and love you, Ed.
A celebration of life is planned in future. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Free Library Fund of Philadelphia.
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