Edward R. Skuhrovec, age 72 of North Huntingdon, passed away peacefully in the home he grew up in, according to God’s plans as the family had hoped for, on Wednesday, May 8, 2019. Born March 12, 1947 in McKeesport, he was one of two sons, along with his brother Rudy, of Rudolph and Mildred (Pfiefer) Skuhrovec. Edward was a music and sports lover from an early age.
As a member of the first graduating class of Port Vue-Liberty High School (now South Allegheny), he was in the band for 8 years, serving as head drummer for 5, and was a member of the 1965 WPIAL Section 14 championship baseball team. After graduation, he began his career of fifty years, for US Steel at Homestead and Clairton, as a member of the United Steelworkers Union #s 1397 and 1557, and also as a member of the Boilermakers Union #154. His work was interrupted only by his enlistment in the US Navy, where he proudly served as a controlman on board the USS Ranger CVA 61 during the Vietnam War at the Gulf on Tonkin.
After the Navy and coming back to work as a maintenance welder at Homestead, married Yvonne Zoscak, beginning 44 wonderful years of marriage. They had two sons, Todd and Jim, who gave them a grandson, 5 granddaughters, and even a great-granddaughter. Spending time with them, playing in the yard or taking walks, was the happiest time of Edward’s life.
In 1969, he started coaching for the Port Vue Athletic Association Pony League for 6 years and, after moving with his family to North Huntingdon, coached for 14 more with the North Huntingdon NCAA and PAL. He was also a devout and active member of Faith Lutheran Church in White Oak. In his spare time, he enjoyed oldies music, dancing with Yvonne, and, one of his biggest thrills, getting to drive a NASCAR stock car at Dover Downes Raceway.
Toward the end, doctors said he wouldn’t leave the hospital in August of 2018. Defying those odds, Edward and Yvonne were able to take two more trips to North Carolina to see family and were able to enjoy a high quality of life to the end. On September 24, 2018, Ed was able to fortuitously go, after a promise by Yvonne, to spend his last days in the house he grew up in.
And that’s where he passed, after seeing his grandchildren, dinner with his wife, and a trip to WalMart: as Yvonne said exactly what he wanted. The family would like to give a special thanks to all the support and help from Allegheny Health Network Hospice, especially Kathy, Leigh, Jackie, Aaron and Chaplain Tony. Also, a huge thank you to Ed’s “RiteAid” girls Sam, Kathy, Brenna, Jackie, Vanessa “911,” and Mary: always a loving welcome.
And last but not least, Pastor Mike Ryan was the family’s strength, rock, and support through this hard fought battle, helping with his prayers for Divine Intervention. Friends will be received in the Daniel F. Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory, Versailles, on Sunday, May 12, 2019 from 1 to 8 PM and on Monday, May 13, 2019 from 10 AM until a 12 Noon Funeral Service in the funeral home with Pastor Mike Ryan officiating. Interment will be private at the request of the family.
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