Edward Richard Butkowsky

Edward R. Butkowsky, 73, of Toledo, died Friday, April 7, 2006, at home surrounded by family. Born in New York City on June 17, 1932, Ed was raised in Yonkers, where he was a 1950 graduate of Roosevelt High School. He then volunteered to join the United States Air Force, serving his nation during the Korean War. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and was honorably discharged in 1954.
Upon his return from the service, Ed met Jane Ellen Trezenka and they married on June 23, 1956. While working and beginning to raise his family, he returned to school, graduating from Westchester Community College in White Plains, NY. Ed held a variety of engineering positions, working in the fields of quality control, manufacturing and production. While employed by Burndy Corporation, he was transferred from Danbury, CT, to Toledo in 1966. After Burndy ceased local operations, he worked for City Auto Stamping in Toledo and then finished his career at Clarke American-Lincoln in Bowling Green.
Ed enjoyed home improvement projects and was an avid gardener. Many friends and neighbors were the recipients of "the fruits (and vegetables!) of his labor." His kind and sharing nature extended itself to the community of St. Pius X Church, where Ed served in the former Holy Name Society, was a Eucharistic Minister, and was an eager participant in the Christ Renews His Parish program. For many years, Ed and Jane bowled with the St. Pius Ma & Pa League, enjoying the time spent with other parishioners and friends en route to a number of league championships. He also enjoyed social functions at the American Legion (Conn-Weissenberger Post), where he was a member.
Preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Helen (Lucas) Butkowsky, Ed is survived by Jane, his cherished wife of nearly 50 years; son, Bill (Joan) of Phoenix, AZ; daughter, Jane (Cliff) Rolle of Tempe, AZ; son, Jim of Toledo, and daughter, Kate of Mesa, AZ; grandchildren, Ed, Mike (Paula), Cindy (Kevin), Joe, Nikki and Jon; stepgrandsons, Andrew and Anthony and great-granddaughters, Mia and Kaylin. Brothers, Alex (Mary) of Florida and Joe (Jean) of New York, also survive.
Friends are invited to visit from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday in the Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 Sylvania Avenue (between Secor and Douglas Roads), where a Scripture Service will be at 7:30 p.m. Prayers will begin at 10:20 a.m. Wednesday from the funeral home, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. Pius X Church. Father James Sanford will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Pius X School Endowment Fund.
The family would like to thank sincerely all of the many friends and all of Ed's health care providers, especially Dr. Mark Fine, Dr. Brian Savage and Mary Beth Swisher, RN, for the tremendous support and caring shown to him and Jane over the years.