Captain Edward W. Froehlich, USN (Ret.), 87, died peacefully at home on May 6, 2026, in Jacksonville, FL. He was born on March 23, 1939, in Seattle, Washington.

He is survived by his beautiful wife Shirley Swinton Froehlich with whom he spent 7 ½ terrific years.

Ed was preceded in death by parents Commander Edward W. and Frances Froehlich, by his beloved wife of 57 years, Ann Matroni Froehlich, and his sisters Mary Walvoord and Nancy Gastony.

He is survived by sisters Susan Chemetz (Jay) and Joyce Brown (Charlie).

He is survived by his children: Mark Edward Froehlich (Tinnon) and their children Diana, Will, and SPC Quentin (SPC Mary Catherine and great grandchild, James); Laura Ann Verges (Vinnie) and their children Katie (Ruby Batty) and Sarah (Cody Yelverton); and Stacey Elaine Arcand (Matthew) and their children Anna and Colleen.

Captain Froehlich’s career began in Amphibs during the Cuban missile crisis. After several tours he transitioned to destroyers, serving on the USS Waldron (DD-699), USS Lynne McCormick (DDG-8) as XO and commanding the USS Davidson (FF-1045). Captain Froehlich’s career was capped with two major commands ashore – first as Commanding Officer of Mayport Naval Station and then in the same role at New York Naval Station. He once stated that “my most memorable military event was taking command at Mayport, because of the people I got to know and work with.”

Captain Froehlich’s personal decorations and awards include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, two Navy Commendation Medals with a Combat “V”, and Naval Achievement Medal with a Gold Star in lieu of a second award.

Froehlich retired in 1991. He did not view his post-Navy life as retirement, but simply as a change in career. He taught AP History at Bishop Kenny High School for 9 years and influenced the lives of many students, having kept in touch with many of them beyond their time at BKHS.

He loved tennis, golf, and boating. He was an active member and leader of the Retired Captains (RET CAP) Society, Naval Order, Navy League and other veteran associations. He worked tirelessly to promote excellence, patriotism, and scholarship throughout these organizations.

Ed was most at home surrounded by family, friends and the water. To all those that knew him, raise one up…”Go Navy, beat Army!”

Honorary pall bearers:

Grandsons: William H. Froehlich, Quentin E. Froehlich

Capt. Robert Buehn, USN (Ret.)

Capt. Robert Whitkop, USN (Ret.)

Capt. Gregory Streeter, USN (Ret.)

RADM George Huchting, USN (Ret.)