Obituary

Celebrating the Life of Edward Henry Tell 

November 24, 1933 – December 27, 2025 

Edward Henry Tell, a man of immense character, charisma, and heart, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025, at the age of 92. Born on November 24, 1933, Ed lived a life defined by his devotion to his family, his country, and his heritage.

Ed was born to Henry and Matilda (Lorenz) Tell and was raised in the Westwood neighborhood of Dayton. He grew up with a deep appreciation for his Hungarian heritage, a legacy he carried with pride throughout his entire life. A graduate of Dayton Roosevelt High School in 1952, he later moved to Kettering, Ohio, to raise his family—a community he called home for many years and where he built a lifetime of memories.

Shortly after high school, Ed answered the call to serve his country. A proud veteran of the U.S. Army, he served as a tank commander during the Korean War. His leadership and discipline transitioned seamlessly into his professional life, where he spent 35 years as a dedicated salesman for Lever Brothers. His personable nature and natural charm made him a favorite among colleagues and clients alike.

To know Ed was to know his contagious laugh. He was truly the life of every gathering—charismatic, fun, and genuinely interested in every person he met. When he wasn’t with his family, he could often be found cheering on his favorite team; he was a lifelong, avid Ohio State Football fan who lived for Saturday afternoons in the fall.

Above all his achievements, Ed’s greatest pride was his family. He was a proud and caring grandfather who prioritized his loved ones above all else. He leaves behind a legacy of love, warmth, and a reminder to always put family first.

Ed is lovingly survived by:
• His wife of 55 years, Sue (Puthoff) Tell;
• His daughter, Melissa (Tell) Messick, and son-in-law, Rob Messick;
• His cherished grandson, Maxwell Messick, and granddaughter-in-law, Ashley Messick;
• His cherished granddaughter, Mallory Messick;
• His cherished great-grandson, Miles Edward Messick;
• Many cousins on the Tell and Lorenz sides of the family, including two special cousins, Karen Levin and Beth Reinker;
• Dear friends Kay Frakes, Don Hoyle, and Adna Howard.

A celebration of Ed’s life will be held on January 31, 2026, at Church of the Cross United Methodist Church, 3121 Wilmington Pike, Kettering.

• Calling Hours: 10:00 am
• Service: 11:00 am
• Reception: A meal will be served at the church immediately following the service.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the DayCity Hospice nurses—Kathy, Stephanie, and Andrea—for their compassionate support. A special thank you also goes to the Dayton VA for the excellent care they provided to Ed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to honor Ed’s heritage: Magyar Hungarian Club of Dayton P.O. Box 63 Englewood, Ohio 45322

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“Ed will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his love for his wife, and as a dear friend to many.”