Edward G. Staback

1937 - 2022

Edward G. Staback, 85, of Sturges passed away Saturday in Nebraska while on a hunting trip. For 58 years, he was the husband of the late Angeline "Angie" Berardi Staback.

He was a proud and dedicated father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and public servant. He was born in Olyphant, Pa. on July 2, 1937, son of the late Adolph and Irene Zipay Staback. He was a graduate of Saint Patrick's High School in 1955 and King's College in 1959, where he played on the basketball team and earned a degree in business economics. He was a former member of the Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Olyphant, now known as Holy Cross Parish. For 24 years he worked with the Commercial Credit Savings and Loan, serving as a district manager.

He became active in local politics in the early 1980s, serving as a Democratic Borough Chair in Archbald. In 1985, he was successful in his first contest as a candidate winning in the 115th Legislative District of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

In all, he served 14 terms as a state representative, retiring in 2012. In 2015, he was appointed as Lackawanna County Commissioner to fill a one-year vacancy.

As state legislator, he quickly became a leader on hunting and fishing issues, and acid mine land reclamation, while prioritizing local constituent services. In his 28-year career of public service, he helped thousands of residents with their interactions with state and local government. His work on the House Game and Fisheries Committee, on which he served for a full tenure in Harrisburg, first as a member and then as a longtime chair, resulted in him becoming the statewide authority on outdoor issues.

In his later years, he served as a mentor to other elected officials and local leaders, offering support and advice while promoting civility and compromise.

Throughout his career in public office, he respected the trust and responsibilities he was given with each election.

His policy of helping anyone who asked and his availability to organizations and numerous charitable causes earned his reputation as a caring and tireless civic leader.

He was the definition of a true gentleman. He treasured the wonderful times he spent with his late wife, beloved children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter. He enjoyed being a part of their everyday lives. His kind heart and love for helping others will live on in all of us forever.

He was a member of many charitable groups and organizations, too numerous to mention. He was recognized with countless awards throughout his life for dedication and love of community and public service.

One of his most prideful accomplishments was the children's shooting competition he created and hosted for numerous years, which taught the importance of gun safety and love of the outdoors to our region's youth.

His greatest joy came in the time he spent with his sons and grandsons hunting for deer in Nebraska, Kansas and Pennsylvania. He loved his beagles and would spend countless hours hunting behind them for rabbits.

He lived his life doing what he enjoyed to the very end. At 85, he would spend several hours a day at the gym.

He would often say he "wanted to die with his boots on" doing what he loved,and he did just that. It was a fitting end to a beautiful life.

Surviving are a daughter, Sharon Danks and husband Paul, Sturges; two sons, Edward Jr. and wife Maria, Sturges; and Randy and wife Maura, Eynon; grandchildren, Kayla and Caden Danks, Nick, Ryan, Gabby and Olivia Staback; and a great-granddaughter, Natalia Staback; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard and Robert Staback.

The funeral will be held Tuesday from the James M. Margotta Funeral Home, 1019 Main St., Peckville with Mass at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Peckville at 12 p.m. Interment at the convenience of the family.

Friends may call Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. For online condolences go to the funeral home website. Anyone attending the funeral is asked to go directly to church.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the St. Joseph's Center.