Edward C. Rightor

Edward C. Rightor, 61, of Dalton, died early Thursday at the VNA Hospice at Community Medical Center, Scranton, after an illness. His wife is the former Cheryl Ace.

Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late Edward "Ned" and Eileen Chudleigh Rightor of Clarks Green. Chud or Doc, as he was known to many of his earliest and closest friends (or Ed, as he was known to the rest of us), was a lifelong resident of the Abington area. Chud was a 1969 graduate of Abington Heights High School and following a stint as an off-road motorcycle racer and mechanic, he pursued his education at Penn State's Worthington Scranton Campus, Keystone Junior College and the University of Scranton. He concluded an illustrious career as a computer engineer with Metropolitan Life's data center in Clarks Summit, with early retirement in 2001. Throughout his very active life, Chud cultivated many interests, from Formula One Auto and Motocross Racing (particularly as a fan of his favorite rider, No. 71), to skiing and greatly enjoyed telling the most wonderful stories. He was skilled in all types of building trades and mechanical work. Chud had an exceptional ability of making and keeping close friends of all stations and walks of life. None of his many joys rivaled those he drew from his family, particularly his daughter Liz and his wife Cheryl, and none of his many accomplishments rivaled the "Best Daddy Ever" title Liz bestowed on him.

Also surviving are a daughter, Liz Rightor, Quincy, Mass.; a brother, William G. and wife, Karen, Alexandria, Va.; and three stepchildren, Justin, Joshua and Jacqueline Reed, Clarks Summit.

A funeral service will be held Monday at 10 a.m., from the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. Friends may call Sunday, from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to VNA Hospice at Community Medical Center, 301 Delaware Ave., Olyphant, PA 18447.