Edward Lupo's Obituary
Edward F. Lupo, 77, of Germantown, TN, passed away at his home, with his family at his side, on Sunday afternoon, August 7, 2011 after a lengthy battle with leukemia. “Ed”, a longtime Memphis businessman who operated Graphic Arts, Graphic Resource Center, and Heliogramme America, was widely known locally and nationally for the leading role he played as the graphics industry made the transition to digital production. Ed was born in Beauregard Parish, MS, April 17, 1934, to Floyd and Eva Earnestine – (Hall) Lupo, and as an only child he spent much of his youth with his uncle and aunt, Moody and Juanita Hall in Belzoni, MS. He graduated with honors from Belzoni High School in 1952. His early career was in the newspaper business and advertising agency work, before he moved to Memphis and founded Graphic Arts. Ed’s wife, Brenda Jean (Guthrie) was his longtime business partner and serves as CEO of Heliogramme. The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in October, 2010 with renewal of vows at Kingsway Christian Chapel in Memphis, and a gala celebration at the Racquet Club of Memphis, with family members and approximately 75 friends from Memphis and across the country. Ed and Brenda have three children: Teresa (Peter) Lebedevs, R.N., of Germantown; Kim (Debbie) Lupo, Seattle, a T-Mobile senior executive, and Christopher (Amy) Lupo of Germantown. Chris operates Graphic Arts in Memphis, which now does custom programming and builds commercial websites. The Lupos are also justifiably proud of their six grandchildren. Teresa’s children are Camille Whitsitt, a 2011 graduate of Jackson State College in Jackson, TN; Robert Whitsitt, a student and varsity tennis player at University of North Alabama ,in Florence, AL, and Hannah Whitsitt, sophomore student at Mississippi State in Starkville, MS. More recent arrivals are the seven-year-old triplet sons of Chris and Amy, Nate, Max and Aiden Lupo. Ed made many friends in the USA, Canada, and Europe, and stayed in touch with them via phone, email and personal contact. He was an inveterate traveler, attending industry-related seminars, meetings and expositions, and as the primary sales and marketing representative of Graphic Arts and GRC. He was highly respected in his chosen field, and held offices in the Advertising Typographers Association and Typographers International Association. Ed was a founding member of PPA (Professional Prepress Alliance), serving a term as president, several years as a board member, and working with technical committees. He was known for his generosity with his time and his knowledge, and mentored, guided and inspired employees and associates. He will be remembered as a wonderful man, a loyal friend, wise and successful businessman and rock to his family. He was a member of Hope Church. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to American Cancer Society, Compassion International, or Global Samaritans Orphanage. A memorial service will be held 11:30 a.m., August 10 at Memorial Park Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. for family and close friends. Memorial Park Funeral Home, “Behind the stone wall”, 901-767-8930.
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