Edward Biddle, 93, U.S. Navy captain

Edward Biddle, 93, of Wayne, a retired captain who had a distinguished 30-year career in the Navy, died Tuesday, Sept. 1, of respiratory failure at Devon Manor.

Capt. Biddle was born in Philadelphia. In 1939, he joined the U.S. Naval Reserve Training Unit in Philadelphia and entered the Naval Academy through the reserve in June 1940.

He graduated and was commissioned an ensign in 1943, according to a biography released by the Navy at the time of his retirement on July 1, 1973.

His first assignment was on the USS Corry (DD-463), which was engaged in escort duty in the North Atlantic.

After completing Submarine School in New London, Conn., Capt. Biddle served on board the USS Cutlass (SS-478). He was communications officer, first lieutenant, engineering officer and, finally, operations officer.

He became executive officer and navigator of the USS Cod (SS-224). In 1954, Capt. Biddle assumed command of the USS Trumpetfish (SS-425).

Capt. Biddle's next assignment was in Washington, where he served as head of the Nuclear Power Section of the Atomic Energy Division of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations.

In September 1961, he went back to sea as commander of Submarine Division Eleven in the Pacific.

Two years later, he was transferred to London, England, and worked as the assistant general plans officer for submarines and surface plans on the Staff, Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Naval Forces in Europe.

He became commander of the USS Rigel (AF-58). Afterward, he returned to Washington as a member of the Joint Staff of the Strategic Plans and Policy Division, part of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

He was then assigned to be deputy assistant chief of staff for plans, MACJ5, U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. He was awarded the Legion of Merit for his service.In August 1970, he took command of Naval Support Activity from offices in Brooklyn, N.Y. He retired three years later.

In retirement, Capt. Biddle traveled widely and in his 90s learned to play the piano.

His grandson, Charles, described Capt. Biddle as quiet, organized and a wonderful playmate for a youngster because he loved to get down on the floor and play games.

He was married to Janet S. Biddle, who died in 2008 at age 86. The couple had two sons, Steven Biddle and Mark H. Biddle; both died earlier.

Besides his grandson Charles, he is survived by a granddaughter, Catharine, and a grandson, Robert.

A memorial service is to be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, in the old church building on the grounds of St. David's Episcopal Church, 763 S. Valley Forge Rd., Wayne. Interment is private.

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