Edward D. “Ed” Kerchesky, 82, Northern Cambria, passed away Wednesday.
He was born in Oil City, near Cassandra, son of Michael and Helen (Benjack) Kerchesky.
Surviving are his life partner of 40 years, Joseph R. Minarish; three nieces: Donna Canavan, Kim Furnari, Cheryl Hunter and their families; a sister-in-law, Marlene (Minarish) Strittmatter and husband, Glenn; nieces and nephews: Heather (Strittmatter) and Paul Avazier, Daniel Strittmatter, Corey and Amber (Wilkins) Stritt­matter; and a great-nephew and great-niece, Jackson and Madelyn Avazier.
He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Mildred “Millie” Kerchesky; and his “adopted” parents, Joseph G. and Florence Minarish.
After graduating from Portage High School, Ed worked 27 years for Portage Cleaners. In 1984, together with his partner, Joe, he purchased Flowers by Phyllis in Barnesboro and Cherry Tree, and operated a thriving business for the next 20 years. He next worked seven years for the Cambria County Agency on Aging until his retirement. In his younger years, Ed was an avid bowler and loved to travel, especially going on cruises, and enjoyed many trips to the casinos. He proudly celebrated his Polish heritage, dancing and listening to polka music and attending many polka festivals throughout the area.
He kept busy playing bingo and cooking and baking. Spending time with close friends and family was when he was happiest. He grew up a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church in Cassandra, where he served as a lector and sang in the church choir. He later became a member of St. John Roman Catholic Church, now Prince of Peace Church, Northern Cambria.
Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at Moriconi Funeral Home Inc., Northern Cambria. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednes­day, April 17, 2019, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Committal will be at North Barnesboro Cemetery.