Edward "Ed" Rushkowski

1951 - 2024

Edward "Ed" Rushkowski, 72, of Larksville passed peacefully surrounded by his family Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, following a brief and aggressive cancer.

Ed was born Sept. 11, 1951, in Wilkes-Barre, to the late Edward and Geraldine Coskey Rushkowski. At Meyers High School, Ed was an all-star second baseman. Following high school, he played in several recreational softball leagues that took local championships. He was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees.

Following high school, Ed was a dedicated Local 44 Union sheet metal foreman for close to 50 years. His career took him to projects in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Philadelphia, New York and State College areas. His most prized project was the Mohegan Sun casino, where he often took his friends and family to see the progress. Wearing hard hats, he would proudly show his guests the order of the trade work and the detail behind each fabricated piece. He made many lifelong friends in the trade.

In his free time, Ed was a devoted father and grandfather who always made sure there was enough candy, kielbasa and beef jerky to go around. He was proud of his three daughters and could often be found sitting at Curry Donuts, talking to anyone who would listen to him about their lives. He had a unique and special individual connection with his grandkids. He would often slip them entire packages of Oreos or candy without their parents being the wiser.

Volunteering for decades in various organizations, Ed dedicated 21 years to the Swoyersville Girls Softball League. Long summer days were often spent on the baseball field after work.

His coaching style made everyone laugh, from the player to the parents in the stands. He was well known for his unique feedback, including, "You couldn't hit that with a tennis racket!" or "What was that? Is there a hole in your glove? Rag Glove!" and many other colorful words and phrases. For many years, he was a member of the Wyoming Valley West Band Parents Association as part of the Pit Crew both during and after his daughters graduated. He used his skills to do everything from helping to build scaffolding to setting up and taking down an entire set for each show. While we are deeply sad at his loss, we are comforted by the knowledge that his legacy will live on through the lives he touched.

Ed is survived by his wife, Gina; three daughters, Corrine Satriano (Drew); Terry Reese (Adam); and Jackie Schaffer (Shawn); four grandchildren, Marco, Tessa, Taran and Delilah. Ed was the eldest of five siblings, John Rushkowski (Maureen); Bob Rushkowski (Debbie); Grace Curran (Gary); Mary Kay Wickam (late Bob); Gerrie Jackson (Ron); and many, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Friends and family are welcome to join funeral services, which will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Ignatius Church, 339 N. Maple Ave., Kingston.

Visitation will also be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at AJ Kopicki Funeral Home, 263 Zerbey Ave., Kingston.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Larksville Ambulance at 480 E. State St., Larksville.