Edward Andrew Zagula
January 24, 1925 ~ April 18, 2020
On Saturday, April 18, 2020, Edward Andrew Zagula, loving husband and father, passed away at the age of 95.
Ed was born in Weirton, West Virginia on January 24, 1925, during a total eclipse of the sun.
He graduated from Weir High School in 1943, attended engineering school at the University of South Carolina, attended officer training school, and served in the U.S. Navy in WWII as a Lieutenant on the USS President Adams. Ed would often recall stories of his days in the Navy, to the joy of his family and friends.
In his early career, Ed worked as an engineer for Westinghouse and was a Weirton City Councilman. He was also the owner of the Chestnut Bowling Lanes, where he ultimately bowled a 299. Ed always said that proved he was somewhat less than perfect, although his family knew better.
He received his law degree from West Virginia University in 1963 and enjoyed a long and successful career as a trial lawyer until his retirement at age 80. He loved the practice of law and dedicated himself to his profession. He was a true champion for his clients. He was elected for two consecutive terms as Hancock County Prosecuting Attorney, was the Chairman of the Democratic Party, the President of the West Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, a member of The Melvin Belli Society, the National Trial Lawyers Association, and the Hancock County Bar Association.
He was a devoted Catholic and a member of St. Joseph The Worker Church.
Ed loved to golf and spent many hours studying books and articles on how to achieve the longest drive and the perfect putt. He was a member of Pleasant Valley Country Club where he ultimately got a hole in one on the 16th hole on June 21, 1999, at the age of 74.
Ed wrote two legal thrillers and was a published author with Pemberton Mysteries.
Ed will be remembered with great love by his wife Bonnie of 51 years, his four children, Debbie Zagula, David (Gina Travaglino) Zagula, Pam Zagula and Matthew (Stephanie) Zagula, his grandson Charlie Zagula, his stepson Chris (Beth) Ozazewski and daughters Alex and Ava, and his cat Tiger.
Many relatives passed on before him, including his loving parents, Andrew and Stella Zagula, his sister Alberta Zagula, his first wife Beatrice Ciarrocchi, his beloved aunts Laura Jados, Marian Zellers, Agnes Sutula, Viola Kasper, his uncle Andrew Butsy Zellers, and his beloved cousins Edward and Miriam Jados, Andrew Jados, Alberta Baranowski, Nellie Vilhosky and Alberta Sokol.
The Zagula family would like to thank Grace Cottage and Valley Hospice for their phenomenal and compassionate care over the past two weeks.
Private family services will be held at Greco Hertnick Funeral Home on Monday, April 20, 2020.
Due to the current restrictions we are all facing at this time, a memorial and celebration of life will be held in Ed’s honor sometime in the future.
Please visit www.grecohertnick.com to post a written or video tribute to Mr Zagula’s tribute wall or send a “hug from home” and we will attach your note to a balloon to fill the room.
Memorial contributions may be made in Ed's memory to Wounded Warrior Project 600 River Ave Suite 400 Pittsburgh, PA 15212 www.woundedwarriorproject.org; St. Jude's Children's hospital 600 Waterfront Drive #210 Pittsburgh, PA 15222 www.stjude.org; or to Hancock County Humane Foundation 241 Ohio River Blvd, New Cumberland, WV 26047 www.hancockhumane.org
I am so sorry for your loss. Ed was a good friend to my Mom and Dad over the years, and I remember going to the house when I was a little girl. He was always kind and caring, a true pillar of our community. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Debbie, Pami and All… you are in my thoughts and prayers. May the beautiful memories of your dad comfort you through this heartbreaking time. Rest in eternal peace Mr. Zagula. With love and hugs, Renee Sellitti
Rest in Peace, Ed. Nick Kundrat
Dear Zagula Family, please except my deepest sympathies over the loss of your father and husband. When I was a child my grandmother, Victoria Higgins was best friend with your grandmother Stella. She talked a lot about the Zagula family with love. Mr. Zagula has left a lasting legacy with his family. Sending love and prayers. Michele Robinson
Dear Debbie and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man. May he rest in peace. Sending all my love, Marianne
My first employer and teacher. Made me strive and study hard to get to where I am at today. A great man indeed. Prayers to Bonnie, Debbie, David and Matt and to the rest of the family. I know Ed will be missed dearly.
Cherie and I would like to pass on our condolences to Bonnie, Matt and the family. Mr. Zagula will be remembered as a man that served his Church, country and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you God Bless, Bernie & Cherie Kelly
A wonderful man and wonderful family. My condolences and prayers to you all.
Please accept my prayers and sympathy.
Ed was one of my best friends who I went to Law School with. My name is John Ross from Aliquippa Pa. I send my condolences to his family.
Ed was one of the finest people I’ve ever known. A brilliant attorney, loving husband and father and great friend. I personally credit Ed and his wife Bonnie with helping me get my accounting practice off the ground back in 1991. Without his support early on, I don’t know that I would have ever survived those first few years on my own. I will forever be indebted to him, and will miss him greatly. My condolences to Bonnie, Debbie, David, Pam and Matt. Keeping you in my prayers. Al Macre
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Zagula family for your loss. Mr. Zagula was an outstanding man and a pillar in the community! Stay strong and take solace in knowing that heaven is now a better place with him joining all other friends and family that passed away before him. My deepest sympathy, John DeVecchis
As a teen babysitter, I was fascinated with the patience and attempt at logical reasoning Ed displayed in dealing with his lovable, but at times, unruly three children. I have such fond memories of the neighbor at the top of Donell Street, who was at every important family event we had beginning with my parents’ party to celebrate becoming citizens in 1960 to my father’s funeral in 1998. And I fondly remember many other times that included informal visits, long conversations over wine or a mixed drink, laughing, and sharing philosophies. I found it remarkable that this man with a higher education, professional career, and financial success treated those in the neighborhood who didn’t have the same opportunites with the same respect and friendliness he demonstrated for all who knew him. Bonnie and Ed and their children became part of our extended family, and my parents insisted that every family member that visited from other countries meet them. Though my mother is aging and at times a bit confused, when I told her of Ed’s passing, her first words were, “What food can we send them?” She loved to share her Arabic dishes with this family and cherished their visits. Then, she said, “He was more than a neighbor to Daddy. He was like a brother.” What more can be said. Indeed, he was the brother, uncle, dad to many that needed him to fill that role. We have missed seeing Ed in recent years and will always cherish the fond memories we have of him, his loving wife Bonnie, and his amazing children. The Asfour family is with you, dear friends, in spirit.
Our heartfelt sympathy to the Zagula family. The neighborhood will not be the same without his smile .
My condolences to the Zagula family on the loss of their husband and Dad. Ed was a legend in the legal profession who fought tirelessly for his clients. He also was a wonderful person who deeply loved his God, family, country, community and friends. Rest in Peace. bob Fitzsimmons
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time, May you come to know that the love of God is with you always, May your memories of Edward Andrew Zagula, give you peace, comfort and strength… Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete. I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers to the family of …. US Navy Veteran, Edward Andrew Zagula, is “A True American Hero” God Bless† † Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †
We will miss Ed’s visits to our annual block party on Beacon Drive Extension. And we have already been missing him drive by always with a smile and a wave. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and especially with Bonnie, our neighbor of 20 years. The Zeigler Family Jim, Carol and Lauren
Pat and I send our deepest condolences to you all at this very difficult time. Our thoughts are with you.
Deepest sympathies goes out to the Zagula family!!Many great memories with you my dear friends !!! Ed will be missed!! Our prayers are with you !! Butch Simon and family
Heartfelt sympathy are prayerful support as you grieve your loss. Sincerely, Stan Tuchalski – Kissimmee, Florida
Bonnie, Matt, and Zagula Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Many good memories of Mr. Zagula. Kind and brilliant. May God rest his soul. Jim and Anne Paul
To the Zagula Family: The world has lost a true gentleman. Although I hadn’t seen Mr. Zagula for almost 50 years, I remember him fondly as a kid growing up on California Avenue. May God’s love bring you peace.
My deepest condolences to Bonnie, Debbie, Dave, Pam and Matt. Eddie will always have a place in my heart; as does Leonard, again, my deepest sympathies to you all. Michael Vukelic
We will miss you dear friend. Sending comfort to all who loved you. Rest in peace. Mitch and Stevie Batalo
The Harlan family wishes to express our deepest condolences to the entire Zagula family. Edward was such an accomplished man who impacted so many lives. He is a true inspiration to us all! May you all find comfort in one another in this extremely difficult time. Wish we could be there in person to give each and everyone a hug, but please know you are in our thoughts and prayers! Sending our Love, Tom, Susie, Jess and Jamie Harlan
The Gurskey family wishes to extend our heartfelt sympathy to your entire family. Sincerely, Michael and Toni Gurskey
To Ed’s family, Sheila and I offer our sincerest sympathy for the loss of your husband and father. We were so sad to hear of Ed’s passing and of course there is no doubt that he was the area’s premier counsellor at law. All of us attorneys, at one time or another, sought out his counsel. But even more important, on a personal note, please know that he was always so very kind and considerate to me and to Sheila and to which we are both so appreciative. But, I’m sure he was that way with all others because he simply was such a genuinely kind person. I know that Sheila and I will miss him and I am sure he will be especially missed by his family, his friends and actually by also anyone who had occasion to interact with him. Thoughts and prayers to you all. Rest in Peace, Ed.
It’s been a long time; however, I remember Ed from my time in Weirton. I found him to be a fine gentleman. Be assured of my prayerful sympathy at this time. May he rest in peace.
Few trial lawyers in this country had the courtroom skills of Ed Zagula. He was an incredible advocate for the injured and the poor. I have tried cases in several states over the past 36 years and have not seen Ed’s equal. On a personal note, Ed introduced my returning WW II combat-wounded father to my beautiful mother at Chestnut Bowl in Weirton (now Marsh Hardware). Eight children later, it was obvious that Eddie was a good matchmaker, too. Godspeed, Ed. Mike Nogay
Faye … that’s so kind and your family is family. I had the hubbly bubbly at your mom’s house with your mom and built decks with your dad … he helped me realize college was a good idea – thank you 🙂 Matt Zagula
Debbie, please accept my sympathies on the death of your father.
My heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences to Mrs. Zagula, Debbie, Dave, Pam and Matt. Mr. Zagula was a giant in all aspects of life. His legacy of care, tenacity, service, and leadership were inspirational. My prayers, thoughts, and memories are with you. May God Bless you. A hui hou.
The Fetty family sends heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the Zagula family for your loss.
Our sincere condolences to our beautiful Bonnie, Matt and the family. We love you and are praying for comfort in this difficult time. What a legacy of accomplishments! May God Bless you always, Dave & Tina Antoline
My deepest sympathies to Pam, Matt, Debbie, David, Bonnie, and the whole Zagula family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
To the Family of Ed, Larry and I are so sorry for your loss.You and your family will be in our prayers. May the Choir of Angels come to greet Him May they speed Him to Paradise May the Lord enfold Him ,in His Mercy May He have Eternal Life.
Remember all the fun times at Chestnut Bowling Lanes with friends while our Moms played in their league. Ed was always so inviting and kind. Our deepest sympathy to Bonnie, children, and grandchildren. Sandi and Ray Gajtka
Bonnie and family; You have our deepest sympathy at this very difficult time. Ed commanded deep respect always. I miss his visits. He is in our prayers. George and Kay Mascio
So sorry to hear about your dad Debbie. My condolences to you & your family. Lorraine Gaglione
Pam, It’s never easy saying goodbye to your Dad. After all he’s the first hero in your life and no matter how old you are you become that little girl again. Just remember it’s not goodbye it’s just till you meet again. Sending our love and prayers to you and your family.
Zagula Family: Sorry for your loss. Got to know Ed when I was a kid and worked at Old Oak Service. Then later at PVCC. He was always nice and a class act of a person. Glad to see he got a chance to see his Grandson play basketball. Sincerely; Jim Horstman.
Bonnie, Matt and all the Zagula family: Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Cynthia Sullivan
So sorry to hear about Eddie’s passing . I’ll always remember him as someone I truly admired and had a long standing friendship going back to the car wash days . He always had a smile on his face when I would see him . I always thought of him as a guy who was a smart guy and his own man . Truly a classy and a real gentleman ,” one of a kind “. He’ll always have a special place in my heart . I’ll miss you Eddie! My warm regards to the family , Dewey
I lived next to Ed and Bonnie and always admired his legal savvy. I loved when he’s sit out front reading the paper and invite me in for a spell. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by all. Bonnie, my heart goes out to you, and wishing you my deepest sympathies. I pray God cushions you in peace and comfort. Be well.