Ed Mialky

Ed Mialky, 78, recently passed away after a short battle with cancer.

Ed grew up outside Pittsburgh, the son of a steelworker with a large extended family that was predominantly Polish. His parents fostered a strong work ethic and a deep love of pierogis in both Ed and his younger brother, Ron.

Ed's academic success in high school and then at Penn State, led him to a first career in ceramic engineering. Seeking a bit of adventure and an alternate path to serving others, Ed joined the Peace Corps and traveled to Ghana in Western Africa with his wife, Ellen. While there were some cultural differences, Ed mostly avoided the spicy food and moved toward finding his life's work, teaching Chemistry to the boys of Techiman Secondary School from 1968 until 1970. Upon fulfilling his commitment to the Peace Corps, Ed joined the Job Corps in urban New Jersey and found his true calling in social work. After earning a degree in social work from Rutgers, he found his way to Bradford and joined The Guidance Center in 1974. This move back to Western Pennsylvania began Ed's 45-year commitment to the people of Bradford and nearby communities. He also started raising his family here, with his son, Kevin, and his younger daughter, Erin. Ed eventually took on the role of Director of The Guidance Center as it became a private, non-profit organization in 1984. His meticulous and passionate leadership helped The Guidance Center grow and provide essential services to the community extending beyond mental health programs. When Ed retired in 2020, The Guidance Center had expanded to include over 20 programs serving thousands of people across 6 counties.

Ed was a dedicated and loving father who also enjoyed spending time with his four grandchildren – Ivan, Ben, Samara and Sam. He was always ready to entertain with antics ranging from bottle rockets and magic tricks to his annual April Fools' pranks.

In his free time, Ed appreciated finely engineered cars and antique arts and crafts, both of which he enjoyed collecting with his long-time companion, Ginny Fass. In his later years, he enjoyed traveling with Ginny to experience the excitement of new cities as well as appreciating the wonders of our natural environment.

He will be remembered as a community leader who worked tirelessly to aid the most vulnerable. His friends and family will miss his generous support, clever wit and spirited curiosity in the world.

At Ed's request, there will be no services or funeral.

Memorial contributions if desired may be made to the STEPS Drop In Center.