Edward Hall Real, 81, most recently of Lancaster, passed away following a brief illness, at Lancaster General Hospital. Born in Jackson, MS, he was the son of the late Floyd J. Real and Thelma Hall Real and the 47-year partner of David W. Faust, with whom he celebrated 9 years of marriage.

A 1963 graduate of the University of Virginia, Ed went on to earn a master's degree in theater from the University of Mississippi and a master's degree in library science from Louisiana State University. He was a head librarian in the New Orleans public library system for 25 years and retired in 2005.

Ed was passionate about the arts – most importantly theater – and it was that passion that fueled his life. For many years, in addition to being a librarian, he also worked as a Theatre Critic for Impact Magazine and the Times Picayune, in New Orleans.

Ed's taste in music was eclectic and he collected extensively throughout his life. Loving to travel, he visited Costa Rica each year for 14 years, traveled throughout Europe, Mexico and Hawaii.

In addition to his husband, David, Ed is survived by his brother-in-law, Jan Faust, husband of Marianne Faust, of Hershey, and a niece and a nephew. Ed was preceded in death by his siblings, Jere and Sandra.

Me Ku'u Aloha Pumehana, Edward!

Funeral services for Ed will be private.