Edward S. Gladysz John XXIII Home, Hermitage, formerly of Farrell, passed away peacefully at 12:45 p.m. Friday (1-30-09) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System of natural causes. He was 94.
He was born on Sunday, October 18, 1914 in Farrell, Pa. the son of Stanley and Victoria Gladysz.
He retired in 1979 from the former Sharon Steel Corporations Farrell plant where he had been a crane operator in the open hearth furnace for 33 years. He was previously employed at Valley Mold, Hubbard, Ohio.
He belonged to Our Lady of Fatima Church, Farrell, Pa. Over the years he belonged to several organizations including the American Legion Post 160, Slovak Home, and the Polish National Alliance, Queen Wanda Lodge 2344, all Farrell.
A musician, Mr. Gladysz belonged to the American Federation of Musicians and played the trumpet and double bass locally with his father in a polka band for area gatherings. He was also proud to have been an Army Bandsman during WW II. A decorated war veteran, he traveled with the 246th coast Artillery Band and enjoyed lifting the spirits of his fellow servicemen and women. He received recognition as an excellent Marksman and was decorated with the American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and ultimately the WWII Victory Medal.
His wife the former Rose T. Raykie whom he married on August 25, 1941, passed away on June 8, 1984.
He is survived by his two daughters, Marcia E. Orendi, Hermitage, and Tina M. West and her husband Willis, McDonald, Ohio; a son in law Bruce Monteson, Transfer; six grandchildren, Marc Orendi and his wife Danielle, Doug Orendi and his wife Machelle, Marla Myers and her husband Greg, Matt Monteson and his fiancé Christina Gall, Laura and Dianna West, four great grandchildren, Ryan and Michael Orendi, and Josh and Jake Myers, two brothers, Bernard Gladysz, Fredonia, and Stanley Gladysz Jr. and his wife Shirley, Greenville.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Linda Monteson, a brother Henry Gladysz, a sister Blanche Baron, and a son in law Robert Orendi.
Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 55, and 719 Patricia Dr. Hermitage, Pa. 16148
Calling hours: 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday (2-3-09) in the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. 1090 E. State St. Sharon. A rosary will be recited at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home.
Services: Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday (2-4-09) at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Fatima Church, 601 Roemer Blvd. Farrell, with Rev. Donald E. Berdis pastor as celebrant. A brief prayer service will be held at 9:45 a.m. in the funeral home prior to leaving for the church.
Interment: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage. Full military honors will be provided by the honor guard from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 6233, West Middlesex, and the American Legion Post 432, Wheatland.