by Dan Doyle | August 30, 2025
BRISTOL TOWNSHIP, PA — Family, friends, and fellow firefighters gathered Saturday, August 30, 2025, to bid a final farewell to Ed Margavich, a lifelong member of the fire service whose decades of dedication left an indelible mark on the community.
Margavich was honored not only as a firefighter but also as a devoted friend, neighbor, and public servant. Firefighters from across Bucks County and beyond joined the solemn procession, with apparatus and uniformed personnel lining the streets in tribute.
Over the course of nearly 65 years, Margavich served with the Third District Fire Department, Goodwill Hose Fire Company, the Bucks County Fire Police Association, and the Bristol Township Fire Police Association. Known for his work ethic, bravery, and leadership, he was remembered as a mentor and steady presence who was always ready to answer the call when his community needed him.
“Ed was more than just a firefighter he was family,” said one colleague. “He lived a life of service and sacrifice, and he touched countless lives along the way.”
To allow township fire companies and fire police who had worked alongside Margavich for decades to attend the services, departments from as far as Yeadon and Paoli provided fire service coverage. Fire police from Bucks and Montgomery Counties also stepped in to control traffic on the funeral procession route.
Margavich sustained injuries on August 8, 2025, while operating at the scene of an arson fire in Croydon. He later succumbed to complications from those injuries, which were sustained in the line of duty.
The outpouring of support at his funeral underscored the impact he had across the region. An estimated 1,000 emergency services personnel, dignitaries, and community members attended, standing shoulder to shoulder in a powerful show of solidarity and respect.
Dan Doyle Photo Delaware Valley News.com Firefighters escort Ed Margavich to his final resting place,
The service included full fire department honors, highlighted by the ringing of the last alarm a solemn tradition marking a firefighter’s final call. Bagpipes played, flags were lowered, and a sea of uniformed men and women stood at attention in silence.
Dan Doyle Photo-Delaware Valley News.com Just one of many arches that firefighters erected along the funeral procession.
Community members filled the sidewalks to pay their respects, many recalling how Margavich’s dedication extended far beyond his firehouse duties. For Bristol Township, his passing was not only the loss of a firefighter but also of a cherished neighbor and friend. Some people waved flags, others offered a salute as the fire truck carrying his body was driven past them.
In a statement, the Third District Fire Department thanked the community for its support and pledged that Margavich’s legacy would continue to guide their work for years to come.
Ed Margavich’s life was defined by duty, honor, and service. His memory will endure as a reminder of the sacrifices made by first responders and the unbreakable bonds that unite a community in times of loss.