Ned L. Upright

Ned Lambert Upright Jr., “Ned” 86 of Longs, South Carolina passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at AdventHealth Dade City Hospital in Dade City, Florida. His daughter Debbie and her husband Michael were with him at the time of his death.

Ned was born on March 13, 1939 in Washington, DC to the late Ned and Margaret Upright.  Preceding him in death was his wife Jean, daughter, Diane, sister in law Rita Delane, brother in law William (Billy) Bartlett and nephew John Upright.

Ned was a true native son of Washington, DC.  He spent his childhood growing up in the city and attending Anacostia High School.  It was during this time that he met the love of his life Catherine Jean Bartlett (Jean).

After high school Ned served in the US Army,  married Jean and while residing in Prince George’s County they started their family.  He joined the Metropolitan Police Department serving for 7 years as a patrol officer on foot patrol and a detective spending much of his work time in the “old number 11” precinct. While working as a police officer he started Aaro Moving and Storage.

Ned and Jean moved to Mt. Carmel Estates in La Plata.  They worked together as the owners of Aaro Moving and Storage in Upper Marlboro, MD and Move America in Waldorf, MD for over 30 years.  Ned represented National Van lines for decades as both an agent and corporate sales representative. Ned is a past president of the Maryland Movers Association and was well known and highly regarded in the industry for his success and business acumen.

He and Jean were members of the St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish, Port Tobacco, MD and enjoyed attending mass at the nearby Mount Carmel Monastery. 

He and Jean loved the outdoors and spending time with family.  They made many special memories with family weekends and vacations in Ocean City and in the mountains of the eastern panhandle of West Virginia.

Jean and Ned were married 58 years and made many lifelong friends along the way.

After Jean’s death in 2017 Ned moved from La Plata to Longs, South Carolina.  He spent the winter months in Florida enjoying the warmer weather.  During this time he met his companion Jo Ann Thomas.  He and Jo Ann looked after each other spending time together in his later years; enjoying North Myrtle Beach and the Central Florida area. 

Understanding the value of hard work he never officially retired and continued working for Guardian Moving and Storage until his passing.

Ned was an avid user of social media and began almost every day with an update and his beloved greeting “Good morning America and all the ships at sea” followed by a daily dose of his personal wisdom and positivity always reminding everyone to make the most of each day. 

He enjoyed spending time with his family, and hearing about their plans and their most recent accomplishments.

Affectionately known as, "Grandpa", he was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather , great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Ned is survived by three children: Debbie Wyant (Michael), Danny Upright (Tina), and Donny Upright (Melanie); seven grandchildren:

Mandy Williams (Brad), Candy Gick (Ryan), Andrew Wyant (Allison), Christine Upright, Jessica Murphy (Josh), Paige Upright and Will Upright; nine great-grandchildren: Chloe Spitzer-Wyant, Brianna and Brandon Williams, Ryan Jr., Peyton, Kara, and Colton Gick, Abigail and Ethan Murphy; brother Jerry (Maryanne) , brothers in law Pat Delane and James Bartlett (Carol); many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 11, from 9-10 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (201 St. Mary's Ave., La Plata) immediately followed by Funeral Services from 10-11 AM at the church.

 Interment to follow at  Mt. Carmel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Carmel of Port Tobacco,

(5678 Mt. Carmel Rd, LaPlata).

Online condolences may be made to the family at arehartechols.com

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