Edward Michael Pagac

Edward Michael Pagac, a.k.a "Eddie the Greek" or "the Polish Leprechaun," proud son of a loving, loyal and boisterous Polish immigrant family, found a permanent seat at the 19th hole in the sky on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. He won his final bet by taking the over and died at the solid age of 90. Ed's passing is remarkable as the end of a generation. He was the last of 11 children, two girls and nine boys - who lived hard, but happy lives - and all stayed and raised their families in Richeyville. This created the long-standing holiday tradition of visiting relatives' homes on Christmas Eve and Christmas, where Ed, with his trademark giggle, served his favorite pickled pigs' feet with vinegar, and year-long whiskey-soaked maraschino cherries. He adored his brothers and cousins who, because of the age difference, were like brothers and sisters to him. Big Ed loved golfing, fishing, gambling on football, playing pool, and at the end of his life, doing puzzles. He meticulously tended his garden, growing tomatoes, green onions, cucumbers, and sometimes kohlrabi. His tomatoes produced delicious juice that he shared with family and friends and made the best sandwiches on white bread and butter. He relished being the life of the party. For many years at St. Agnes Social Hall, he celebrated New Year's Eve as Baby New Year - dressed only in a diaper - with his best friend, George Malanosky, dressed as Father Time. Ed enjoyed polinkis (shots) and polkas -- in that order. Everyone loved Ed. Ed, the good-looking, star high school running back, married Jessie Mae Rager (deceased), cheerleader and the prettiest girl in the coal patch. Jess and Ed raised three very different children - Edie (deceased), spouse Bill Boskovich, now married to the lovely Diane; Shelly and husband Andrew Barnes (his second favorite son-in-law); and Edward and wife Lisa. Ed leaves a lasting legacy in his five grandchildren - Ben Boskovich, Paige and Clay Barnes, Brennan and Lily Pagac, and numerous nieces and nephews. Sometimes a business owner (Pagac's Bar & Grill and Pagac's Sanitation Service), and always a coal miner, he at times worked three jobs to provide his wife and three children with every luxury they wanted. He taught his children the value of hard work and emphasized they must get good grades (one dollar for every A - nothing for anything less), and a good education. After proudly serving his country in the Korean conflict, he would light up when wearing his Korean Veteran's hat and people thanked him for his service - especially pretty women. A kind character to the end, he charmed the staff at the VA who cared for him. The care the VA in Aspinwall provided to Ed was the best - they treated Ed like the hero he was. In Ed's memory, call your local bookie or visit your local legion. Centerville Legion was a second home for Ed - often because he was in trouble with Jess. Before joining her in the afterlife, Jess whispered, "Goddammit, Ed, soak those stinky feet in Clorox one last time", and Ed, as always, happily obliged. Na zdrowie. Family and friends are welcome to attend a memorial service from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday July 24, 2025, in the John B. Greenlee Funeral Home Ltd. 2830 Main St. Beallsville, PA where military honors will be conducted at 5 by the Hancock McCune Horne Centerville American Legion Post 705. An online guestbook is available at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com