Edward P. Demansky

Edward P. Demansky, 84, of Bangor, PA, passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2014. He was the son of the late Edward M. Demansky and Anna (Bodyk) Demansky of Shenandoah, PA. He graduated from West Mahanoy Township High School where he was a star football player. Ed was an active co-chairman of the West Mahanoy Class of 1948 Reunion Committee and worked for the Rich Coal Company from 1949-1952 as a Yuke driver. As a Corporal in the Marine Corps Air Wing, he served in Korea from 1952-54. In 1957, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education from Kutztown University. There he played varsity football and was awarded the Runyon trophy for most valuable senior player. He taught junior high school art in Canton, PA where he was assistant football and basketball coach. Ed received his Masters of Art degree from Pratt Institute and matriculated for postmasters graduate studies at Temple, Penn State, and Columbia Universities. He taught Junior High School Art in the Bangor Area School District from 1958-1968 where he was an assistant football coach. He redesigned the art room for the Bangor Area High School to be built at the Five Points campus. The architect praised Mr. Demansky for his ability to make the plan more functional. He was Professor of Art at East Stroudsburg University from 1968 until his retirement in 1986. Ed was a member of the United Mine Workers of America, the National Education Assn., East Stroudsburg University Faculty Union, and a former member of the V.F.W. and Bangor Elks. His greatest enjoyments were his children and grandchildren, restoring his 1933 Willies Over-lander, flea marketing, spending time in his studio "barn" where he created unique jewelry, stained glass, and custom model airplanes. He was a true "Renaissance Man". From 1985 to 1990, he served as a Bangor Borough Councilman and was a photo journalist for the Bangor Daily News. He was a member of the Slate Belt Heritage Committee Executive Board and hand carved the Slate Belt Heritage sign which adorns the building today. As an avid bowler in the Slate Belt and Stroudsburg leagues, he won many trophies. Ed was also an American Jr. Bowling Congress Certified Instructor at the Bangor Bowling Center from 1961-66. Survivors are his wife, Linda (Fremount) Demansky of Bangor; Daughters, Deanna Hart Rodman and husband Matt of Connecticut, and Christy Demansky Talese of Columbus, Ohio; Grandsons, Matthew Talese and wife Bethany, Michael Talese and Nina El- Khoury; Granddaughters Brielle Hart Grassey and husband John, and Hollie Hart. Extended family Carol and Tom Guertin of Delaware; Grandchildren Jeffery and Emily Guertin; Greg Talese of Wooster, Ohio; Brother Bobby and wife Barbara of Shillington, PA. He was predeceased by brothers Daniel, Joseph, and George Demansky. Uncle "Babe" was loved by many nieces and nephews. A private family ceremony is planned. Arrangements have been entrusted to the James B. Gaffney Funeral Home, Bangor, PA.