Edward J. Ciesielski, 79, of Meadville, passed away peacefully at Rolling Fields, Conneautville, Saturday, March 13, 2010, after a courageous battle with emphysema.
He was born on May 10, 1930, in Pittsburgh to Mary and Albert Ciesielski.
He was a former resident of Carnegie and a member of Christ Church Episcopal.
He enlisted in the Army Air Corps at a young age and was a fighter pilot during World War I, stationed in the Pacific. After the war, he attended various trade schools and became an accomplished carpenter/home builder.
He loved spending time with his family, whether it be around a campfire or fishing on one of the local lakes.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Clara Williams, Eleanor Sudjak and Margie Cassella; a brother, Chester; and his first wife, Josephine, mother of his three children.
He is survived by his wife, Gloria; a sister, Catherine Opczynski and her husband, Dave; a brother, Joseph Ciesielski of the Pittsburgh area; a daughter, Joyce Demsey and her husband, Dennis, of Cortland, Ohio; two sons, Timothy Ciesielski of Cuddy and Jamie Ciesielski of the Pittsburgh area; and three stepchildren, Michael Donnelly and his wife, Ashley, of Muncie, Ind., Kimberly Donnelly-Silverman and her husband, Jeff, of Baltimore, Md., and Kevin Donnelly of Baltimore. He was a very proud grandfather and great-grandfather of 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Calling hours are Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Hatheway-Tedesco Funeral Home and Crematory, 614 Baldwin St., Meadville. The funeral will follow at 3 p.m., with Capt. Chad Grubb officiating.
Please sign the guestbook at hatheway-tedesco.com.
