Edward James Szczepanik

EDWARD JAMES SZCZEPANIK age 72 of Garfield Heights and formerly of Bedford. Beloved husband of Cheryl (nee Meyer); loving father of Dawn (Tom) Thompson, Raymond (Wendy) Lynch, Jacquelyn (Chris) Pabst, and Jennifer (Mike) Ochwat; dear brother of David (Kathleen) Stepanik, Diane (Tim) Francisco, and Dan (Theresa) Szczepanik; dearest grandfather of Amanda (Josh) Price, Jesse Thompson (Emily Petkovich), Allysyn (Michael) Haddaad, Samantha (Josh) Baczek, Connor Lynch, Declan Lynch, Lydia Pabst, Kennedy Ochwat, and Kailey Ochwat; treasured great grandfather of Poppy, Jackson, Maverick, Luca, and Annalice; cherished uncle to many nieces, nephews, and great uncle to even more great nieces and great nephews. Adored friend, neighbor, and parishioner. 

A man of strong faith, Ed taught us the importance of serving family and others first. Ed was born and raised in his beloved city of Bedford, Ohio. After graduating high school, he joined the Air Force, serving the majority of his term in Texas. Once his military obligation ended, he returned home to Bedford and was employed by the USPS, from which he retired after thirty years. He had a walking route, and his customers adored him! Following in his heart’s mission to serve others, he spent many Saturday evenings serving the local homeless community – food and kindness. Ed found joy in skiing the slopes and exploring the U.S. with his wife on their Honda Gold Wing motorcycle. He loved making others laugh and smile with his witty comments, sharing stories, or breaking out into an Elvis ballad. He worked hard and loved harder – his grandbabies and great grandbabies always put a sparkle in his eye. Ed was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandpa, great grandpa, uncle, great uncle, and friend; his absence is strongly felt and he will be deeply missed. Well done, good and faithful servant! 

 Friends and family will be received at ST. JOHN FUNERAL HOME, 923 BROADWAY AVE (ONE MILE WEST OF THE I-271 BROADWAY-FORBES EXIT) BEDFORD ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 23 FROM 3 P.M. – 7 P.M. A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 24 at Church of The Nazarene, 365 Center Road, Bedford at 10:30 A.M. Burial to follow at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the American Lung Association or the American Heart Association in memory of Ed.