EDWARD REGAN

Edward Francis Regan Jr.

October 5, 1925 – September 22, 2025

Edward Francis Regan Jr., the oldest of three children, was born in Oakland, California to Edward and Anna May Regan. Ed grew up in Oakland, rooted in Saint Leo’s parish. He attended Our Lady of Lourdes grammar school and Saint Joseph High School before setting off for Santa Clara University to study accounting. World War II called him away. He enlisted in the Navy College Training Program in Doane, Nebraska. When the war ended, he returned to Santa Clara earning his accounting degree.

While working a seasonal Christmas job at the Post Office, he met Beverly Ann James. They married at St. Leo’s in 1951 and were together for 72 years until her passing in 2023. The couple settled in Walnut Creek, raised nine children, and were longtime members of St. Mary Catholic Parish.

Ed worked as an accountant and dedicated much of his life to service. In 1963 he helped establish the St. Vincent de Paul chapter at St. Mary’s and spent more than 60 years volunteering, including daily food collections and deliveries to pantries and families in need. He also served as an election officer for decades. Ed was honored for his lifelong commitment to serving others with the 2008 Mother Elizabeth Seton Award, the 2014 St. Vincent de Paul ‘Top Hat’ Award, and a 2015 Bay Area Jefferson Award.

In 1994, Ed was honored as a member of the 1941 Saint Joseph High School basketball team when it was inducted into the inaugural Saint Joseph Hall of Fame class.

Family remained Ed’s focus. He was known for showing up to his children’s and grandchildren’s games and events, often with his booming voice of encouragement. At home, his den was a hub of radios, televisions, and newspapers, where he kept up with his teams—the A’s, Raiders, Notre Dame, Santa Clara, and later his grandchildren’s sports.

Edward lived his Catholic faith daily, attending morning Mass, praying the Rosary, and advocating for the unborn through 40 Days for Life. He also found joy in travel, food, and family traditions, including annual camping trips, “shortcuts” through Bay Area backstreets, and wheelchair dancing at weddings well into his nineties.

He is preceded in death by his wife Beverly, son Denis, sister Anna May, and brother John. He is survived by his children Sally Crain, Edward J (Sandy) Regan, Robert J (Carolyn) Regan, Marylou (George) Descalso, Elizabeth J (Bill) Regan-Gleffe, Rosemary (Gerald) Carpenello, Timothy P (Sara) Regan, and Tarie A (Terry) Wolf; 40 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Lorraine Regan; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held:

 Rosary: Sunday, October 5, 6:00 p.m., Diablo Valley Funeral Home, Concord

 Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, October 6, 10:00 a.m., St. Mary’s Church, Walnut Creek

 Reception: Following Mass at St. Stephen’s Church, Walnut Creek

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul at St. Mary Church Walnut Creek.