Edward Andrew Serp, Iii

Ed was born in Baltimore City, attending public schools and graduating from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute in 1955.  He earned a B.E.S. degree in Civil Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University in 1959 and an M.S. degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Maryland in 1973.

Ed was a licensed professional engineer in MD, DE, VA, WV and DC.  He worked at MD Surveying and Engineering Company, Whitman, Requardt and Associates and KCI Technologies.  Ed was also active in professional organizations including:  The Engineers Club of Baltimore (where he was an officer and past President), The B&O Railroad Historical Society, SWANA, AWWA, WEF, SAVE, NSPE, AREMA, and the Association of State Dam Safety Officials.

Ed had extensive experience in the fields of solid waste management, water and wastewater treatment, and other urban infrastructure throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.  His most extensive urban infrastructure project was the Maryland Transit Administration's construction of the Baltimore Regional Rapid Transit System.  Other notable projects include renovation and dam safety improvements for the City of Baltimore's Lake Roland Dam, Lake Waterford Dam in AA Co., and the Edgemont Dam for the city of Hagerstown.  Visitors to the Maryland Zoo (now including his great-grandchildren) continue to be delighted by his work on the otter habitat and the Giant Tree Slide in the children’s area.  However, the project which provided the greatest personal satisfaction was his civil engineering support for the Maryland Vietnam Veterans Memorial at the south end of the Hanover Street Bridge in Baltimore.

Ed served in the Marine Corps Reserve and was a passionate collector of Marine Corps history and memorabilia.  For many years he proudly reconstructed an annual display marking the anniversary of the founding of the Marine Corps at the Charlestown Retirement Community, where he resided.

To know Ed was to know of his passion for trains, model railroading, and model building.  He spent countless satisfying hours in his workshop meticulously recreating models and scenes of a bygone era.  Sharing his railroad and modeling passions with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren gave him immense satisfaction.  B&O, Chessie, and Strasburg railroads were all part of the family vocabulary.

Ed provided his children the invaluable experience of traveling extensively throughout the United States while towing the family's travel trailer.  School holidays and summers were spent exploring countless scenic and historic sites, ending the day roasting marshmallows over a campfire, often with other families and friends.  He also provided his children and grandchildren many happy memories vacationing at a second home in Ocean Pines, MD.  During their retirement years, Ed and his wife Margaret were able to continue traveling to iconic and historical venues and Parks throughout the US, highlighted by the famous Rocky Mountineer Railroad.

Ed was also a voracious reader, possessing an extensive personal library and a never-ending wish list of books on reserve at the local library.  In recent years he could always be found on his screened porch with a book in hand during at least three seasons of the year, where he routinely polished off several books per week.

Ed is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Margaret Serp (nee Sanders), son Ed Serp (wife Betsy), and daughters Mindy Doring (husband Mark) and Karen Beer (husband Mike).  He is also survived by five grandchildren, Alex Doring (wife Becca), Jason Doring, Kerry Doring, Emily Beer, Melissa Beer, as well as two great-granddaughters Natalie and Hannah Doring.

Instead of sending flowers, those desiring to do so may make a memorial contribution to a charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held at the family-owned Candle Light Funeral Home, 1835 Frederick Road, Catonsville, MD (21228) on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 11 am. Interment Cedar Hill Cemetery. www.candlelightfuneralhome.com