Edward James Streiff, CMDR, USN (RET), 64, a resident of Severna Park died on September 11, 2012 after a battle with a rare brain disease.

Ed was born Dec. 13, 1947 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated from California State College and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1970 and served until 1996 as a Naval Intelligence Officer rising to the rank of Commander. During his years of service he was awarded the: Meritorious Unit Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Expert Pistol Shot, National Defense Service Medal and Overseas Service Medal. Ed was in the Foreign Service for seven years and was fluent in two other languages, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.

Following his retirement, Commander Streiff went to work at the NSA, Fort Meade. He retired May 2009. Ed kept active and enjoyed walking, traveling, and playing all sports.

Ed met the love of his life, Virginia Wasko at a skating rink in Pittsburgh and they were married for 40 years. Together they had four sons, Christopher, Stephen, Thomas, and Michael, as well as, one grandson, Nicholas Streiff. He was a wonderful, loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Ed is also survived by four siblings, Maureen Cowles, Clare Roberts, Mary Mitsch, and Thomas Streiff. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Eleanor Streiff.

Friends and family may visit on Thursday, September 13, 2012 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Hwy. Severna Park, MD 21146. A Mass of Resurrection will be offered on Friday, September 14, 2012 at 12 Noon at St. John the Evangelist Church, 689 Ritchie Hwy. Severna Park, MD 21146. A Chapel Service will be held on Monday, September 17th at 10:00am at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville. Donations may be sent to: The Association for the Frontotemporal Degeneration (theaftd.org) or Seasons Hospice.