Edward “Sonny” Zukowski of Concord Township, passed away Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the age of 81. He passed peacefully with his beloved family by his side.
Ed was born in Erie, PA on November 10, 1940 to the late Sophie and Edward Zukowski. The oldest of 3 children, Ed was a devout Catholic and possessed a thirst for knowledge. He studied theology, engineering, and chemistry at Gannon University where he graduated with honors. He continued his pursuit of education at the University of Nebraska where he received advanced degrees in mathematics and physics. Ed was also a member of the National Society of Pershing Rifles.
In his early teens, Ed met the love of his life who would become his high school sweetheart and wife, Margaret Ann.
Ed’s commitment to his family and his work ethic led him to enlist in the Army, where he retired as a Captain. After working for over a decade at General Electric where he was successfully granted patents for his light bulb designs, Ed brought his dream of owning his own business to life and founded Genesis Lamp Corporation in 1979. His intelligence, charm, sincerity, and honesty helped to grow his business exponentially into an international success. Ed believed in always doing the right thing and because of this, his relationships with his customers quickly turned into lifelong friendships.
Ed found solace in nature. Whether it was camping, fly fishing, gardening, or just “puttering” around the yard, he could always be found outside. Always a consummate student, he could also be found “tinkering”. He loved to learn new things. He could, and would over his lifetime, be able to fix and build anything.
Ed’s family was the center of his world. His dedication and pure, unconditional love for them was a joy to behold. Every day was about them and how he could make their world a better place. His love, sometimes quiet, sometimes tough, sometimes goofy, was always true and his love formed bonds that can never be broken. “The bonds of love we forge during this life do not unravel with death”.
Ed is the loving husband for 59 years to Margaret Zukowski (nee Sedziak); beloved father of Edward (Christine) Zukowski, Mark Zukowski, Christin (Aaron) Vercruysse and Lisa (Arick) Hedin; cherished grandfather of Ryan, Justin and Trey Zukowski, Lily and Luke Zukowski (Stacy), Tyus and Canaan Vercruysse, and Jackson Hedin; brother of Barbara (Robert) Rzepecki and the late Christine Lawson; uncle of many; and cherished friend and family to countless others.
The Zukowski family will receive friends from 12:00 – 1:00 PM Friday, January 21, 2022 at St. Gabriel Church, 9925 Johnnycake Ridge Road, Concord. A Funeral Mass will follow at 1:00 PM at St. Gabriel Church and will be livestreamed at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82368829808?pwd=NHV0dE1TbmMzeHhMZ01BTWxmSmtMZz09 ID: 823 6882 9808 and Passcode: 501731, with burial at Concord Township Cemetery.
Donations can be made in Ed’s name to The Alzheimer’s Association, 23215 Commerce Park Suite 300, Beachwood, OH 44122 or to Cypress Hospice, 2 Berea Commons, Suite 1, Berea, OH 44017.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Jeff Monreal of Jeff Monreal Funeral Home.
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5 Replies to “Edward “Sonny” Zukowski”
Sonny was a great brother. I loved him dearly. When here came to visit we always ended up talking about our lives living on 22nd Street. About Mom and Dad and our sister Christine. I loved him dearly and would give him a kiss and tell him I loved him. God bless him Amen.
You will be missed Ed and Pleasantview Trail will not be the same without you
Ed was my brother in law and we have so many wonderful memories. We spent many New Year Eves together and had many many laughs. We were fortunate enough to enjoy his fantastic and creative cooking. He had such imagination when it came to putting ingredients together. I’ve known Ed for over 60 years. The early Ed was shy! But in the later years he made up for it. We went to UK together and although Dean and I had been there several times, we always thought of the British as very reserved. Along came Ed and had them all laughing and acting like best friends! It was hard to see him become silenced. Love to the family. You had a very special husband, father, brother and friend.
Love
Aunt Chris
My dear Zukowski Family,
I recently heard of the death of your dear husband and dad, Ed. I remember you all from St. Gabriel days way back when. Know that you are all in my supportive prayer during this difficult time. Stay healthy, happy and blessed!
With much love and prayers,
Sister Mary Lisa Novak, SND
I did not know Ed and I recently met his son, Ed. Sonny sounds like he was an amazing person and he sure instilled the right thing in his kids.
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