Edward J. Filak
December 6, 1926 ~ January 8, 2014
Edward J. Filak, 89, of Youngstown, OH, formerly of Weirton, passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2014 in the St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown. Born December 6, 1924 in Weirton, WV, he was a son of the late Joseph and Mary Trybus Filak. He was also preceded in death by his sisters Helen Shimko, Kathryn Aftanas, Cecelia Haber, Sophie Auten and Irene Mellott, brother Stanley Filak, son-in-laws Victor Vrabel and Peter Zawosky and his in-laws John and Julia Gozdecki Burda.
Mr. Filak retired from National Steel Corporation. He was a former member of Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Sacred Heart Rosary Society, WSX 25-Year Club, PNA Lodge 3001, P.R.C.U., American Legion Post 10 and was a World War II veteran, having served in the US Air Force. After being discharged from the service, Edward was awarded an honorary high school diploma.
Edward is survived by his wife of 65 years, Antoinette Burda Filak of Youngstown, daughters Diana Vrabel, Deborah (Thomas) Garnick and Darlene Zawosky; grandchildren Cerissa (Michael) Noble, Kristine (Hani) Al-Halaybeh, Edward (Deana) Zawosky, Victor (Heather) Vrabel, C. Matthew (Erin) Griffith and Hillary (Joshua) McClain; great-grandchildren Karrena and Matthew Vrabel, Jakob and Klarissa Zawosky, Gianna and Annelise Noble, Collin and Declan McClain and Aubrey and Blake Griffith; sister-in-law Doris Filak and a host of nieces and nephews. He also leaves his Brittany Spaniel and faithful companion, Rosie.
Visitation will be held Friday 4-8pm at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton, WV. Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be celebrated 9 am Saturday at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church with the Reverend Father Anthony G. Thurston officiating. Interment will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Weirton where Military Services will be conducted by the American Legion Honor Guard.
Eddy was a gentle kind man, wonderful WWII photo of young Ed. Debbie, Matt & Cerissa along with family i will pray that you recieve comfort from above in your mourning.
1st. Corinthians 15:42-45
My grandfather was such a joyful, kindhearted man. The simplist things in life brought him happiness…digging in the garden, watching his grandchildren romp and play with his dog, and working in his woodshop. He was a natural explorer and always wanted to go somewhere…even if it was just down to kmart. I will think of him everytime I see his lillies come up in my yard or fix something with duct tape. Love you dziadzia.
Dear Diana,
I know you’ll miss your Dad terribly. I know I’ll miss the stories you would tell and his HOT peppers! I’m not sure if I ever got to meet him, but I’m sure acorn doesn’t fall far from the tree so I’m sure I would have loved him too.
Dear Diana,
You have my deepest sympathy in the passing of your dad. I’m sure he is in Heaven with the Angels and looking down upon you.
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 J. Filak, give you peace, comfort and strength…
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your work on earth is done. I thank you for your service and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten.
Edward J. Filak, is “A True American Hero†God Blessâ€
†Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 â€
Dear Diana and Family,
I am sorry for your loss. Such a wonderful man who will live in your hearts and minds forever!
Laura Sullivan
Diana,
I am so sad for your deep loss. I never met your Dad but I sent him Whiskey sticks to enjoy when I could. My deepest sympathies to you and all your family. My heart is with you all. Lutzie
Antoinette, You and all of your family have my deepest condolences. Eddie was a good friend to my Dad and Mom and I will always remember the fun we had growning up with all of your family. Love to all of you!
Diana,
I am very sorry for your loss. Your father was always very
kind to me. He was a wonderful man and a caring uncle.
Dan Marinacci
Very sad to hear of eddie’s passing on.
Antoinette, You and all of your family have my deepest condolences. Eddie was a good friend to my Dad and Mom and I will always remember the fun we had growing up with all of your family and our many visits to Lake Erie and Canada together.
To my loving family. I am so sorry that we were not able to attend the services. Jimmy also sends his condolences. He and I have many very fond memories growing up – like all the men climbing that huge cherry tree in the back yard and picking the cherries before the birds would get them. Or when he and Uncle Stanley were doing the renovations on the back of their house. So many stories and memories.
Your dad, Uncle Eddie, was a kind sole with not an enemy. He will be sorely missed by many.
Love and prayers – Diane, Debbie and Darlene.
Your cousins: Robin Auten-Brevard and brother Jim Ferrari
I am sorry to learn of Ed’s death. He was a very nice man who treated me and my brother, Tom well when our family would visit from Chicago to West Virginia.
Uncle Eddie, I have so many memories of you and I. I remember being 4 and you teaching me how to polka. You were a great man and I thought extremely highly of you and respected you. Not only were you my uncle, but my God Father. I love you and miss you terribly each and every day.