Edward R. Wells November 7, 1924 - February 15, 2021

Edward R. Wells

“Sometimes, a story is best told from the end.”-Ed Wells

Edward Ronald Wells, 96, passed away peacefully Monday, February 15th, 2021. Born on November 7th, 1924 in Candor New York, Ed continued to reside in Candor with his Mother, Father, and older brother. 

Ed enjoyed school and was recognized for his academic abilities, often designated to help tutor other students. His strong academic ability awarded him two scholarships to attend Cornell University where he majored in Mechanical Engineering. He met Jean, the love of his life, while working in the cafeteria to earn meals. Ed was drafted into the Navy in 1944 where he received training as a radio technician. He served 2 years in the US Navy.  On February 23, 1945, while Ed was still in the Navy, he and Jean were married. Ed returned to Cornell in 1946 after the war had ended.  He graduated from Cornell the following February. Before graduating Ed received job offers from GE, IBM, oil companies in Texas, and Proctor and Gamble, he chose P&G. 

Ed and Jean relocated to Cincinnati where he began his career in the Engineering Division at P&G. Later he would work for the Buckeye division and then was moved to package soap packaging. This was not his preference, but he was able to work more closely with advertising and with company executives. In Ed’s career, according to reports, “he held five patents himself and was the godfather to many more. His biggest accomplishment and highlight of his career would be the 1968 patent of the original Bounty paper towel.  Designing a softer, more absorbent, 2 ply, disposable paper towel…famously coined as the “quicker picker upper.” This invention put P&G ahead of the competition and quickly was distributed worldwide & continues to be the top paper towel in the paper product industry. 

In retirement Ed and Jean enjoyed traveling extensively to Europe and annual visits to Branson, MO. Ed had a life-long passion for sailing. In his later years he spent many hours building intricate, historically accurate model ships. Oftentimes they could be found on display at the Monfort Heights Library. Ed had many hobbies, including tennis, painting, writing limericks, gardening, tutoring youth, building furniture, and volunteering with many local non-profit organizations. As a grandparent he spent many hours outside at the ballpark watching his grandchildren play baseball & softball. Inside he would be found at the table teaching his son & grandchildren how to play chess.

 After the passing of Jean in 2004 Ed spent his remaining years at the Llanfair Retirement Community. There he would continue his journey of doing good for others. He would volunteer his time and contribute monetarily to various organizations throughout the community.  He was especially dedicated to giving people opportunities and improving the quality of communities. In 2005 Ed became involved in the WIN organization (Working In Neighborhoods) where he was an advisor, advocate, and investor. In addition to WIN, he provided valuable assistance to the College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation and the College Hill Business Association.

One of Ed’s proudest achievements is the completion of the capital campaign for the Margaret Jean Wells Chapel at the Llanfair Retirement Community, dedicated to his late wife on October 22nd, 2009.  His family was among a crowd of nearly 200 guests gathered to dedicate the new chapel.  This would serve as a place to worship and gather for all of the members of Ed’s retirement community.

Ed will be deeply missed by his son Dave (Cathy) Wells of Harrison, OH, grandson Brad (Megan) Wells of St. Leon, IN,  grandson Tony (Liz) Wells of Cincinnati, OH, granddaughter Kayla Wells of Harrison, OH, great- grandsons Dillon, Abram, Blake, Ellis, Walter, & Reese Wells, great- granddaughter Laney Wells. Aunt Alda, and many nieces and nephews.  Ed was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years Margaret Jean Wells (Bradley), Gladys Wells (mother), Robert Wells(father), brother Bob (Dorothy)uncle Joe Mulcahey, and many nieces and nephews. granddaughter Samantha Jean Wells (infant).

A private service will be held at the convenience of the family and a public celebration of life ceremony will be held at a later date to be announced.

Memorials in Ed’s honor can be made to Working in Neighborhoods.

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Donate by Mail: 1814 Dreman Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45223