Dr. Edward B. Murcko

Dr. Edward B. Murcko
Loving husband, father, grandfather, and family dentist, returned to our Lord peacefully on Saturday December 14, 2024. Preceded in death by his lovely wife, Bernadette. Born in Transfer PA, Edward "Dr. Ed" graduated from St. Mark's High school in McKees Rocks. Dr. Ed attended St. Vincent College (Latrobe, PA) where he received BS degree. He furthered his education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, receiving his DDS degree in 1958. Dr. Ed married the love of his life Bernadette Smetana, July 1958. As a proud member of the United States Air Force, he and Bernadette were stationed in Crete, Greece for two years where he was the Chief Dental Officer. He was also a member of the USAF Reserves. He returned to Pittsburgh with his wife in 1963 where they settled in Squirrel Hill and raised five daughters. His daughters were Dr. Ed's pride and joy throughout his life. Dr. Ed opened his dental practice in 1963 in the Bloomfield /Upper Lawrenceville area. He was a well respected member of the community for over 50 years, providing excellent dental care to all his patients. A colleague referred to him as "the best dentist of his generation." His patients enjoyed his kind manner and easy going personality and referred to him as "the Mister Rogers of dentistry." His attention to detail was impeccable and his skills made him a leader in his profession. Dr Ed also taught in the Pitt Dental School in the early 1960s. His daughters were so fortunate to have him as their dad. Dr. Ed would do anything for them at any time he was needed. He always encouraged his daughters that they could achieve anything as long as they put hard work in to their goals. Dr. Ed had a strong work ethic. He encouraged his daughters and also their friends throughout their lives. He proudly attended their recitals, events, plays, games, speeches and award ceremonies with a proud tear in his eye and a big smile on his face. He and his loving wife always welcomed friends and family to their home and dinner table. He enjoyed having his family and friends around him. Dr. Ed had a passion for the outdoors that started in his early years working summers on the family farm in Transfer, PA. He enjoyed hunting and gardening. Some of his favorite times were family ski trips to the west. Dr. Ed and Bernadette also enjoyed skiing at Seven Springs often in their later years when they resided in Ligonier. He had a special place in his heart for music of all kinds. Dr. Ed was a talented accordion player that put himself through college playing the accordion in a band. He loved classical music and polka music. He enjoyed attending the Pittsburgh Symphony and supported the arts. But his favorite was listening to his daughters and grandchildren perform. He also enjoyed cheering for the Pirates, the Penguins and the Steelers. He had a wonderful smart sense of humor and a great smile. Dr. Ed could also fix anything, and if he didn't know how, he would figure it out. He could do plumbing, electrical, welding and carpentry. Dr. Ed was a devout Catholic and had a deep spirituality. He loved God and would often attend daily mass in his retirement. Dr. Ed always treated people with respect. He was an honest gentleman that always had a positive word for those he met. As a true Christian, he was always willing to help anyone that needed his help. He was an incredibly wonderful father and he will be missed greatly by his family: Dr. Anita, Dr. Lisa, Dr. Laura, Dr. Regina and Dr. Juliette and grandchildren Christopher Korte and Dr. Jolie Murcko.
Friends will be received at John A Freyvogel Sons, Inc. 4900 Centre Ave at Devonshire Street on Wednesday December 18th from 3 pm – 7 pm. Funeral Thursday December 19th, Mass of Christian Burial, St. Bede Church of St. Mary Magdalene Parish, 11:00 AM, 509 S. Dallas Ave., Pittsburgh, 15208 and may be viewed via Facebook Live at www.freyvogelfuneralhome.com.
Donations can be made to St. Vincent Archabbey sslcharityweb.net; North Valley Chorale northvalleychorale.org.
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