Edward Louis McClatchy, Jr.

Edward  McClatchy Jr., 74 of West Chester, PA passed away Monday December 12, 2022 at the West Chester Rehabilitation & Health Care Center.

He was the husband of Barbara Rosenberg McClatchy.

Born October 18, 1948 in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late Edward Louis McClatchy and the late Constance Jane McGee McClatchy.

Ward grew up in Bryn Mawr, and attended St. Aloysius, St. Joes Prep. And Villanova University.

He was President at McGee Industries for over 30 years.

Ward always appreciated being on the water. He developed a passion for competitive sailing at the highest levels. He grew the family business into a globally respected brand, with his products proudly used aboard winning America’s Cup Teams, Volvo Ocean Race Teams, and numerous Olympic Gold Medal Teams. But that wasn’t enough for Ward, for decades he sponsored and supported our US Sailing Team and the young athlete development programs that help to inspire kids to become Olympians. Ward loved to sail onboard with many of these championship teams, quietly slipping in behind the wheel or next to the tiller at every opportunity. Ward was among a very rare, few individuals that have helmed America’s Cup, Round the World, and Olympic class sailboats. Ward always liked sailboats, but he really loved the people that sail them. He will be missed by so many of his sailing friends all over the world.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sister, Wendy McClatchy, daughter, Katherine, daughter, Abagail, nephew, Christopher Edward Knoell, step-son, Seth (Megan) Rosenberg and children Jacob and Emily, step-daughter, Leslie (Isaac) Chalal and children Ceci and Shai.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Funeral Service Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 1:00 pm at DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. 410 North Church Street West Chester PA 19380.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to US Sailing Foundation 1 Roger Williams University Way Bristol, RI 02809