Edward J. Stofko

Edward J. Stofko, 87, a resident of Swoyersville, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, Dec. 14, 2013, at Kingston Health Care Center, Kingston, where he was recently a guest.

His beloved wife was the late Suzanna B. Griczen Stofko, who passed away Oct. 7, 2010. Together, Edward and Suzanna shared 60 beautiful years of marriage.

Born July 30, 1926, in Swoyersville, Edward was the son of the late Louis and Agnes Koscho Stofko. He was raised in Swoyersville and was a graduate of the former Swoyersville High School, Class of 1944.

A U.S. Navy veteran, Edward honorably served his country during World War II aboard USS Starlight and USS Bexar. During his time of service, he was decorated with the Pacific Theater Medal, the American Theater Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. Upon his honorable discharge on May 30, 1946, Edward had attained the rank of radioman third class.

Upon his return home from the war, Edward worked in the local coal-mining industry for 20 years. He then went on to work as a foreman and dynamite blaster for the former T.C. Lloyd Construction Co., eventually retiring from Asplundh.

Edward was a faithful Catholic and life member of the former Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, Swoyersville. Following the consolidation of his church, he became a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Swoyersville. He was also a third-degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Assumpta Council 3987, Luzerne.

A proud veteran, Edward was a member of the Catholic War Veterans, Memorial Post 1601, Swoyersville, where he served for many years as their welfare officer. Additionally, he was a life member of The American Legion, Andrew Lawrence Post 644, Swoyersville, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 283, Kingston.

Edward held membership with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1319, Wilkes-Barre, and was also a member of various social clubs throughout the local area.

Family was the center of Edward's life and he cherished every moment he had with his loved ones. He will forever be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.