Edward F. "Ed" Lilly

Edward Francis Lilly, Jr. passed away peacefully December 12, 2025 surrounded by family. 

Ed was born on January 18, 1944, in Brooklyn, N.Y. He was the son of the late Edward Francis Lilly, Sr. and Mary Campbell. He grew up in Long Island, graduated from High School as the best distance track runner in the Northeast, and graduated in 1967 from St John’s University.

He brought integrity and tireless energy to his career in the mattress industry, which began at the Strawbridge & Clothier department store. He spent 11 years at market leader Sealy in senior positions before joining Serta in 1990 as CEO and president. In his 14 years at Serta he engineered the company’s rise to the industry’s second-largest producer. After he left Serta he founded Lilly Management Company which is still serving the mattress industry. 

Ed was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He took immense happiness travelling with his wife, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He will be remembered for his charismatic personality, love of a good time and ability to capture and entertain a room- whether it be with a joke and a laugh or a convincing argument. Ed was quick and witty. He loved a good challenge, and his life was filled with fun, exhilarating stories pushing himself to the limit, landing in unbelievable scenarios, and succeeding victoriously. One might believe he found himself in these crazy predicaments only for the amazing story with which he could later pull out of his pocket and regale his audience. He was the epitome of grace under pressure. 

While he took great joy in captivating the room, he also loved a deep and meaningful conversation. He was an amazing listener and had a broad breadth of interests - running, biking, woodworking, music, astronomy, reading, hiking, skiing and home improvements. He made each person he spoke with feel special, valued and loved. 

Ed is survived by his loving wife, Nancy, his children Michael Lilly, Denise Hollister, Kevin Lilly (Melissa); his grandchildren Kaleigh Robinson (JP), Courtney, Hannah, Owen, and Dane Lilly; his siblings Paul Lilly (Debbie), Ellen Brubaker (Roy), and pre-deseased by sister Mary & brother Peter. 

A memorial mass will be held Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 10:30 am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 2900 E Main Street, St. Charles with Father Tim Seigel celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ed’s name to the Disabled American Veterans, 2122 W. Taylor St., Chicago, Ill., 60612; to Lighthouse Hospice, 2807 Centre Circle, Downers Grove, Ill., 60515; or to a charity of your choice.

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