Edward Anthony Sukla

1943 - 2015

March 3, 1943 - September 24, 2015 Edward Anthony Sukla passed away on September 24, 2015, following a nine year struggle with osteosarcoma. Born in Long Beach,CA, the second child of Mary and Edward Sukla, Eddie spent his early years in Surfside Colony before the family moved to Huntington Beach, where he excelled in all sports at Huntington Beach High School. Eddie was the starting quarterback in football, the starting guard in basketball, the ace pitcher of the baseball team, and the school's best pole vaulter even though he had no time to practice. Rod Dedeaux, the legendary USC baseball coach, and a neighbor of the Suklas', said Eddie was one of the best natural athletes he had ever seen, offering him a baseball scholarship. However, Ed's dream was to play Major League Baseball, and the Angels signed him to a bonus contract after his graduation in `1961. Ed quickly moved through the minor leagues and made his major league pitching debut in 1964. Although an arm injury eventually ended his career, he successfully played Professional Baseball for fifteen years, including the years he played Triple A ball for the Pacific Coast League, distinguishing himself by breaking several pitching records. In 1976, Ed began a new career as a professional baseball scout, joining the Major League Scouting Bureau where he was so highly respected he was awarded National Scout of the Year in 2007. During the off-season he continued to test himself in a variety of sports. His accomplishments were legendary. He became a tournament pool player and bowler, rolling several 300 games. Not satisfied with those endeavors and despite never playing tennis as a youth, he tackled this difficult sport and became a Nationally ranked Senior while playing at the prestigious Palisades Tennis Club. Ed wasn't finished. While in his mid fifties he turned his attention to golf and soon was a low single digit player, and maintained this low handicap even after major surgeries on his right leg. Ed was a thoughtful, funny, happy man. He loved his many friends and he loved his life. Although his health was failing, he maintained a positive attitude and recently purchased another Porsche. His low-key demeanor and great sense of humor led to a huge legion of friends who loved and admired him, and who were so proud of his unbelievable accomplishments. Eddie is survived by his sister, Connie Marangi, her husband Angie, and Ed's niece Darcy. The family wishes to thank Dr. Eckardt, Dr. Tokita, Dr. Chawla, Dr. Sankhala, Dr.Vahabzadeh and Dr. Gandehari for their brilliant efforts on Ed's behalf. The memorial service will be a festive celebration of Ed's wonderful life, beginning at 2:00 PM on November 8, 2015, at the Huntington Beach Hyatt Regency located at Beach Blvd and Pacific Coast Highway. Please join us.