1923
Edward
2015
Edward M. Lukanec Sr
May 1, 1923 — May 30, 2015
Poland - Edward M. Lukanec, Sr., 92, formerly of South Avenue Extension, died Saturday afternoon, May 30, 2015 at Omni Manor Health Care Center.
Mr. Lukanec was born May 1, 1923 in Mather, PA, a son of Louis and Mary Decant Lukanec. When Ed was a small child, his family came to the Youngstown area to work in the steel mills.
He attended Woodrow Wilson High School until enlisting in the United States Army Air Force, serving during World War II for four years. He was in the 466th Bomb Group and the 784th Bomb Squad. Ed was stationed in England and flew in the B-24s as a tail gunner that bombed Germany. He received two Oak Leaf Clusters for his completion of 22 aerial missions, as well as the Purple Heart, EAME Ribbon with one Bronze Star, American Theater Ribbon, World War II Victory Ribbon, and a Good Conduct Medal.
After being honorably discharged from the service, he returned to the area and worked several jobs until taking a position with the Erie Railroad. While with the railroad, he held the position of fireman for 10 years. Ed then worked as a stationary engineer for 30 years with school systems, until his retirement.
Ed had his private pilot's license and had a passion for flying airplanes. He also enjoyed flying radio control airplanes and was a member of Mahoning Valley Model Airplane Club and the RC Short Circuits. When not flying, he also enjoyed fishing, especially for walleye in Erie, and reading aviation magazines.
His wife, the former Eileen Whalen, preceded him in death in 1968. He is survived by three his son, Edward "Mickey" (Karen) Lukanec, Jr. of East Palestine; two daughters, Mary "Michele" (Bill) Baird of Austintown and Patty (Fred) Stocker of Struthers; two adopted sons, Daniel and Pete Lukanec; 9 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Hlad; a brother, Louis Lukanec; and one granddaughter, Kelly.
Family and friends will be received on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. at the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home, 11 Spring St., Struthers.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Lake Park Cemetery.
The family suggests any memorial tributes take the form of contributions in Mr. Lukanec's name to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512.
Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.
Mr. Lukanec was born May 1, 1923 in Mather, PA, a son of Louis and Mary Decant Lukanec. When Ed was a small child, his family came to the Youngstown area to work in the steel mills.
He attended Woodrow Wilson High School until enlisting in the United States Army Air Force, serving during World War II for four years. He was in the 466th Bomb Group and the 784th Bomb Squad. Ed was stationed in England and flew in the B-24s as a tail gunner that bombed Germany. He received two Oak Leaf Clusters for his completion of 22 aerial missions, as well as the Purple Heart, EAME Ribbon with one Bronze Star, American Theater Ribbon, World War II Victory Ribbon, and a Good Conduct Medal.
After being honorably discharged from the service, he returned to the area and worked several jobs until taking a position with the Erie Railroad. While with the railroad, he held the position of fireman for 10 years. Ed then worked as a stationary engineer for 30 years with school systems, until his retirement.
Ed had his private pilot's license and had a passion for flying airplanes. He also enjoyed flying radio control airplanes and was a member of Mahoning Valley Model Airplane Club and the RC Short Circuits. When not flying, he also enjoyed fishing, especially for walleye in Erie, and reading aviation magazines.
His wife, the former Eileen Whalen, preceded him in death in 1968. He is survived by three his son, Edward "Mickey" (Karen) Lukanec, Jr. of East Palestine; two daughters, Mary "Michele" (Bill) Baird of Austintown and Patty (Fred) Stocker of Struthers; two adopted sons, Daniel and Pete Lukanec; 9 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Hlad; a brother, Louis Lukanec; and one granddaughter, Kelly.
Family and friends will be received on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. at the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home, 11 Spring St., Struthers.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Lake Park Cemetery.
The family suggests any memorial tributes take the form of contributions in Mr. Lukanec's name to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512.
Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.
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