Edward Gieza

Edward Michael Gieza, Jr. age 74, of Fairview, passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at his residence.
He was born in Erie on June 6, 1943, a son of the late Edward Sr. and Irene Gieza.
Ed graduated from McDowell High School where he was a record breaking pole vaulter.
He went on to serve in the United States Navy for two years on the USS Long Beach.
Ed was employed at General Electric in Erie, became an accomplished welder and retired from there after many years as a supervisor. 
In his younger and healthier days, he enjoyed many hobbies and taking trips. He very much enjoyed skiing, motorcycle trips to the Indy 500 and visiting Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach and Florida.  Other happy memories include trips to the beach and amusement parks, all the while making memories with his kids.
Ed was a member of St. Jude the Apostle Church and the Siebenbuerger Club where he enjoyed bowling.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother and sister in law, David and Patty Gieza, niece, Mary Ellen Bujnoski, and a brother in law, Les Leszek.
Ed is survived by his wife, with whom he just celebrated 50 years of marriage,  Marie Leszek Gieza; his children, Brian Gieza, Kristen Benczkowski (Dan), Kim Crossman, Edward Michael Gieza III, and Erin Fiolek (Kyle); 8 grandchildren, Jacob and Casey Crossman, Ashlyn and Brendan Fiolek, Allyson, Tyler, Ryan and Austin Gieza; brothers, Michael Gieza (Joyce), Robert Gieza (Karen) and Jim Gieza (Mary); and a mother in law, Martha Leszek.
The family would like to recognize the many in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, many friends and extended family that knew and loved Ed.
Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3801 W 26th Street (at Powell Ave) on Tuesday from 2 to 6 p.m. and are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday at 11:00 at St. Jude Church 2801 W 6th Street, Erie, PA 16505 with Reverend John J. Detisch officiating.
Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Emmaus Soup Kitchen 218 East 11th Street Erie PA 16503.
Send condolences at www.Burtonfuneralhome.com