Edward "Ned" Greiner

On December 30, 2000, at 8:11PM, Edward Donovan Greiner, “Ned,” our beautiful boy, came into this world. At the age of two he could put together the puzzle of the United States and say every state name in his baby voice. When we bought him a LeapFrog globe he learned all the countries and capitals of the world, amazing his relatives and preschool teachers.

His abilities were prodigious, but his sweet nature and sense of humor (that laugh!) were always his standout qualities. He also gave great hugs and snuggles, even as a young man of 23, and we knew that someday he would make a girl so very happy. He had joined the Army, had attained the rank of Sergeant, and was doing work that was so important that he couldn’t discuss it, keeping all of us safer.

All our hopes and dreams and his ended October 6 when he was lost to us forevermore. To say he will be missed is a statement so lacking that it is ridiculous. He was the light in this world for us and we will now have to build our own scaffolding to even begin to see the sun or moon again. We will do this because he would have wanted it, but the longing for the joy he brought will never leave us.

He was predeceased by his sister, Margot “Seester” Harrington, and is survived by his brokenhearted family: parents, Cate Harrington and Bob Greiner of Arlington, Va., grandparents Gina Cozzini (“Nonna”) and Bob Condry, also of Arlington, and Leo and Diane Greiner of Roseburg, Ore. Another grandparent, Dennis Harrington, resides in Gettysburg, Pa.

A funeral will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Arlington, Va., on October 27. Viewing will begin at 3:00 ET and the program will begin at 3:30. Food and refreshments he would have enjoyed will be served directly afterward. In lieu of flowers, please donate to food assistance, legal aid, Remote Area Medical, or Doctors Without Borders. Ned believed in helping people, he was a kind and loyal friend, and assistance to those in need will honor his memory.