Edward J. Leppin, 77, of Toms River died Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at Community Medical Center. Born in Newark, he resided in Union for 37 years before moving to Lake Ridge community of Toms River 11 years ago. He worked for Newport Financial in Jersey City when he retired as an Operational Engineer in 2010 and was a proud member of Local 68 Union for almost 50 years. He served in the Navy during Vietnam from 1962-1965. He was a devoted husband, loving father and proud grandfather. He was known for his good sense of humor, loved to play pranks and was always the life of the party. Everyone knew him and his best friend Lucky, the dachshund, from their walks. Surviving is his wife of 54 years, Colleen Leppin, who was the love of his life. Also surviving are his children, Edward Leppin of Frenchtown, Christine Lourenco & husband Flavio of Bradley Beach, and Linda Sousa & husband Nelson of Toms River, grandchildren Amber Rose Muller, Alexa Sousa, Dylan Sousa and honorary granddaughter Danielle Mahon. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Cremation was private. Inurnment at NJ Brigadier William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown, NJ is Thursday December 31 at 10:30AM. For directions or to send on-line condolences, please visit our website at www.oliveriefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in Edward’s name to American Macular Degeneration Foundation (AMDF) to support macular degeneration research and education - https://www.macular.org/how-donate.