In Upper Makefield, Street Renaming Memoralizes Family Patriarch

UPPER MAKEFIELD, PA — On a quiet Wednesday evening, family, friends, and township officials gathered at the intersection of Wilkes and Green streets in Upper Makefield to officially change the name of Green Street to "Ed McAllister Way" in honor of the man who showed them the meaning of community.

"I think my dad would have been incredibly honored and deeply touched by the street renaming," said his daughter, Jodie Alicea, who lives with her family at the end of the newly-christened Ed McAllister Way. "He was a humble man who never sought recognition, but he cared so much about Upper Makefield and the people in it. Seeing his name on that sign, marking a place that will continue our family’s legacy, would have meant the world to him."

Added Alicea, "I can just picture him shaking his head with a big smile, maybe even getting a little emotional, knowing that his love for this community was being honored in such a permanent way. He always wanted to support and uplift those around him, and now, in a way, his presence will always be here, guiding people down Ed McAllister Way — just like he guided so many in life."

Ed McAllister and a photo of the new street sign.

Looking down Ed McAllister Way.

Alicea said the idea to rename the street surfaced last year after she and her husband bought the only property on Green Street - a farm.

"That’s when my husband had the brilliant idea to request a street name change," she said. "It wouldn’t impact any other homeowners and it would be a perfect way to honor my father’s legacy."

With the help of Supervisors Tim Thomas and Tom Cino, Police Chief Mark Schmidt, Township Manager David Nyman, Public Works Superintendent Matt Gorman, and Washington Crossing Postmaster James Dwyer the idea quickly became a reality.

The street sign reveal was a complete surprise for her mother, Karen, and her sisters who had no idea what was planned.

"We honored them in the moment, unveiling the sign surrounded by all of my sisters, nieces, nephews, and three sons. It was an emotional and unforgettable tribute to the man who meant so much to all of us," said Alicea.

McAllister owned and operated McAllister Construction, a family-owned business that has been a cornerstone in the township since 1946. When he died in 2021 at the age of 64, he was serving as the company's president.

According to Alicea, her dad was the kind of man who made everyone feel welcome. He had an innate ability to support those around him, whether it was family, friends, employees, or even strangers, she said.

"He genuinely loved taking care of people and had a way of making everyone feel like they belonged. As a boss, he treated his employees like family, always leading with kindness and generosity," said Alicea. "His mantra was 'Life is good,' and he truly lived by that every single day."

Family members gather next to the sign.

Upper Makefield Public Works Superintendent Matt Gorman with Police Chief Mark Schmidt.

She added, "He was the most positive person you could ever meet — always looking for the silver lining, always ready to lift others up. He was also an avid golfer who knew how to have fun and enjoy life, balancing his hard work with laughter and good times."

To continue his legacy of generosity and support, the family established the Ed McAllister Scholarship Fund through the Upper Makefield Business Association. The scholarship supports local students attending The Williamson College of the Trades, a school that prepares young men to become respected leaders and skilled professionals.

At Williamson, students receive full scholarships for their tuition and can study various trades, including construction technology — the very same trade that helped Ed build his own success.

"It’s a fitting way to honor him, ensuring that future generations have the same opportunities he valued so much," said Alicea.

"Ed McAllister is remembered as a man who loved deeply, worked hard, and always put others first," said Alicea. "His impact on our family and this community will never fade, and now, with Ed McAllister Way, his presence will always be a part of Upper Makefield."

The Upper Makefield Public Works crew work to install the new sign.