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Edward Koczwara Obituary
Born in Taylor on Mother's Day, son of the late John and Lillian Cerep Koczwara, he was a 1960 graduate of West Scranton High School and a member of SS. Peter & Paul Church. Prior to retirement, he was employed by Chamberlain Manufacturing Corp. for 39 years. He was affectionately known as "Papa Bear" by his grandchildren, whom he cherished, and devotedly looked forward to being part of their many activities. He was a standout player for the West Scranton football team and went on to play in the Dream Game, which he so proudly talked about. His passion for the West Scranton Invaders, Penn State Nittany Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers football was unyielding. He was also an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. A selfless man, who would lend a helping hand and enjoy a friendly conversation with anyone, he will be deeply missed by his family.
Also surviving are a daughter, Kim Chuff and husband, Brian, Scranton; son, John Koczwara and wife, Mary, South Abington Twp.; four grandchildren, Christopher Chuff and wife, Courtney, Jason Chuff, and Alexis Koczwara and Lauren Koczwara; two great-grandchildren, Conor Chuff and Caden Chuff; brother, Frank Koczwara and wife, Jill; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by a brother, Jackie Koczwara; and a sister, Rose Marie Connolly.
The family would like to thank the nurses and aides of Mountain View Care Center, especially Bernice, Ashley and Dawn, for their outstanding care and compassion.
A burial service will be Saturday at 11 a.m. in SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery. Arrangements by the Thomas J. Hughes Funeral Home Inc., 1240 St. Ann's St., Scranton.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edward Koczwara
Sponsored by Thomas J Hughes Funeral Home.
Frank Casper Koczwara
May 7, 2025
I cannot believe it is 5 years since my Brothet Bear passed. Time passed quickly but memories last forever.
Frank Casper Koczwara
Frank Koczwara
May 4, 2021
May my brother Bear rest in peace.
Tara
May 14, 2020
My Deepest Condolences. May God Bless You and Yours. I had the pleasure to care for Ed for a nearly a year. He had a gentle soul, I always looked forward to seeing him. He would laugh at me when trying to teach me polish, we would mostly talk sports and he always reminded me to watch the last step. He will be deeply missed!
Linda Jeter
May 12, 2020
Diane I am so sorry to hear of your husband passing.My deepest condolences to you and your family My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Joe & Angela Pivovarnik
May 12, 2020
Please accept our most sincere condolences...
Brian Orzel
May 11, 2020
Although knicknamed "Bear", he was a kind, gentle man. I grew up just a few houses down the street, 20 years his junior and have nothing but fond memories of Edward. Very helpful to the us kids who wanted to play baseball and football at the field. After Invader football victories, he'd drive around the neighborhood honking his horn. So sorry for your loss.
Ann DeAntona
May 11, 2020
So sorry to hear of your loss. May God Bless and keep Ed in His most tender loving care.
Lorraine Holt
May 11, 2020
Such a sad loss to you and your family, may your memories fill your hearts.
Frank Casper Koczwara
May 10, 2020
Dear Diane & Family:
Jill and I would like to express our deepest condolences on Ed"s passing.
My brother Bear was a very proud member of the 1960 West Scranton Invaders Team that won the Eastern Conference Champion. I remember him playing guard and linebacker and doing the kickoffs in that game against Hazleton High School. He played most of the game with lip laceration that required 5 stitches after the game. He was a gamer and a very proud West Scranton Invader.
He participated in the Dream Game coached by Pete Doyle. Coach Doyle made a comment that "he could coach this team in a rocking chair because of all talent on the City team." Coach Doyle wished he could have coached Bear at Technical High School. He was very proud to have participated in the Dream Game.
Diane may all of you find peace, love and comfort during this very sad time. May Ed rest in peace in God's hands and above all cherish the good times.
Frank Casper Koczwara
Greenwood, SC and Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
Wayne Beck
May 10, 2020
My sincere condolences and prayers go out to the Koczwara family on their loss. May he rest in peace.
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