Edward Athey

Edward L. Athey, professor and coach who served as athletic director at Washington College for 38 years, died on February 28, 2010 at his home in Chestertown, MD. He was 88. Born in Moundsville, WV on October 26, 1921 he was the son of the late Edward W., a railroad policeman, and Alice (Rissler) Athey. Mr. Athey was one of three boys raised during the Great Depression. He graduated from Allegany High, and then attended Frostburg University. He transferred to Washington College in 1942 and went on earned his master’s degree from Columbia University in 1948. During that time, Mr. Athey served as an Army Aviator during World War II; and was honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant. While on active duty he was a Flight Instructor and Hump Pilot, flying missions to China. In 1943, he married Rachel Lovell. In 1948, Mr. Athey returned to Chestertown and was the Coach and Athletic Director for Washington College for the next 38 years. During his career he coached six varsity sports and last spring, Washington College dedicated the new ballpark on campus in honor of Mr. Athey, a longtime baseball coach for the college for 49 years, even after his retirement in 1987. Mr. Athey’s athleticism and coaching has also been honored by the Athletic Halls of Fame at Washington College, Frostburg University, Allegany High School, the Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fame and the Eastern Shore Slow Pitch Softball Hall of Fame. Mr. Athey was a member of Chester River Yacht and Country Club, the Chestertown Lions Club, the Frank M. Jarmon American Legion, the Chester Masonic Lodge #115, the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, American Baseball Coaches Association, the Maryland State Association of Baseball Coaches, the Old Timers Soccer Association of Maryland, and the Theta Chi National Fraternity. He was also a member of USILA and enjoyed competing in MISGA. He is predeceased by his first wife Rachel and a son, Ed Athey. He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Marge; son Ron Athey and wife Julie; daughter, Patty Grieb and husband Patrick, daughter-in-law, Cathy Athey; stepson, Don McCorkel and wife Laura; grandchildren, Carolyn Athey Harms and husband Kevin, Lisa Athey Clarke and husband J.B., Charlie Athey, Eddie Athey, Tricia Athey, Marcia Grieb Fellows and husband Jon, Andy Grieb; Joel McCorkel and Mia McCorkel; also survived by 6 great grandchildren. A service will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2010 at 1:00 PM at Christ United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, 401 High St, PO Box 262, Chestertown, MD 21620, Washington College, Office of College Advancement, 300 Washington Ave, Chestertown, MD 21620 or the Chester River Home Care & Hospice, 6602 Church Hill Rd, Suite 600, Chestertown, MD 21620.