Joseph D. Edwards III 1940-2025

Born Wednesday, Feb. 12, 1940, in Indianapolis, Indiana, he was the son of the late Joseph C. and Ethel Marie Osborne Edwards.

Dr. Edwards was a graduate of University High School in West Los Angeles, where he proudly served as senior class president. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from UCLA, where he was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and enjoyed playing club rugby. He later received his Ph.D. from the same institution.

A U.S. Army veteran, he served in the 6th Infantry Division in Alaska, where he was a proud member of the 50 Degrees Below Club for engaging in field operations at 65 degrees below zero. One of the highlights of his military service was enduring extreme cold while sleeping on a glacier during winter training.

Moving to the Youngstown community in 1970, Dr. Edwards dedicated his career to mental health, serving as chief psychologist at the Child and Adult Mental Health Center, director of the Mental Health and Retardation Board 648, district manager for the Ohio Department of Mental Health and maintaining a private practice that grew into a large practice, which continues on after his passing. He also worked as an adjunct professor at Youngstown State University, sharing his expertise with students.

A passionate outdoorsman and ardent environmentalist, Dr. Edwards was part of multiple environmental groups and recently participated in The Friends of the Mahoning River, where they removed an industrial dam to create a new, beautiful park.

He loved working on his large plot of land, partially an abandoned strip mine, where he planted thousands of trees to reclaim the land, transforming it into a beautiful park-like setting that everyone enjoyed. He created elevated docks to jump into the water and inflated inner tubes to float in the lake, bringing joy to family and friends.

He would often stop his car on the way to work to pick up litter and recycle cans, reflecting his commitment to the environment. He also cultivated a large garden, fruit trees and berry bushes, generously sharing his harvest with friends and those in need within the community. His flock of chickens provided eggs, which he also shared. For many years, he celebrated fall by making apple cider using an antique cider press, a tradition that brought joy to those around him.

Dr. Edwards is survived by his wife, Diana (nee Goodart), whom he married Sunday, Feb. 14, 1965; his children, Trevor (Michele) of Sewickley, Pa., Kevin (Kris) of Mentor and Amy (Colin) of Pittsburgh; his sister, Diane Dann of Boise, Idaho; his grandchildren, Rees, Ryan, Jessica, Sarah and Andrew; and his nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at noon Saturday, June 21, at St. Patrick Church, 1420 Oak Hill Ave., Youngstown, OH 44507. A visitation will be held 11 a.m. to noon Saturday at the church.

After the service, there will be a bereavement lunch at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Patrick Church and / or Mill Creek Park.

Please send thoughts and condolences to the funeral home website www.mccauleyfuneral.com.

Arrangements by the McCauley Funeral Home, privileged to serve the Valley for more than 123 years.

(special notice)