Joseph Edwards

Poland - Joseph Edwards, 73, died Monday evening, April 4, 2016, at his home, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer two weeks ago.

Joseph was born February 21, 1943 in Youngstown, a son of John and Ann Wroblewski Lapinski.

Raised on the Northside of Youngstown, he was a 1960 graduate of Ursuline High School, where he was inducted into their Arts Hall of Fame in 2006. He continued his education at Youngstown State University and received a Bachelor of Music in Education Degree and his Master of Music Performance as a Woodwind Specialist from Michigan State University. Dean Edwards also studied at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music in the Doctor of Musical Arts Program.

He began his teaching career at the Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. In 1969, Dean Edwards joined the faculty of the Dana School of Music and was responsible for creating a saxophone degree program, teaching clarinet, conducting the symphonic, concert, and marching bands, along with serving as the Director of the Dana School of Music. Following this, he served as Interim Dean of the Beeghly College of Education, acting chair of Education, Foundations, Research, Technology, and Leadership, and Dean of the College of Fine and Performing Arts.

Dean Edwards has appeared as a guest soloist and clinician with high school and college ensembles and at state and national music conferences. He has also performed with the American Wind Symphony, Sioux City Symphony, Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Concert Band, Blossom Festival Band, Cleveland Symphonic Winds, Warren Chamber Orchestra, the Dana Faculty Wind Quintet, and the Temptations. Over the years, he has recorded vinyl and compact discs with numerous groups from Ohio, Michigan, and Iowa.

Dean Edwards is a member of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and The National Leadership Honor Society of Omicron Delta Kappa. During his tenure with YSU, he has been the recipient of several awards, including the Distinguished Professor of Music Award and the prestigious Watson Award. In 2000, Dean Edwards was honored with a chairperson's leadership award and was the first recipient of the College of Fine and Performing Arts Alumni Award. Most recently, in 2012, Joe was honored with the Beeghly College of Education's Dean's Appreciation Award.

He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Youngstown and also served on the Struthers Board of Education for eight years.

Outside of music, Dean Edwards had a passion for golf, which he shared with this son Justin. One of their favorite courses to enjoy together was Valley Golf Club in Columbiana. More recently, he enjoyed helping his son and daughter-in-law remodel their home in Mill Creek Park.

In addition to his mother, Ann Lapinski of Amherst, he leaves his wife, the former Karen Sue Textoris, whom he married June 9, 1972; his son, Justin Joseph Edwards and his wife, Ashley of Youngstown; two sisters, Joanne (Bill) Hosterman of Durham, NC and Sandra (Bob) Jankowski of Amherst; two brothers, John (Mary Ann) Lapinski of Boardman and Frank (Kathy) Lapinski of Wake Forest, NC; brother-in-law, Melvin C. Textoris of Struthers and his beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his infant brother, Edward Lapinski, and his in-laws, Melvin A. and Marion Textoris, who admired his kind and genuine nature.

A memorial service will be held promptly at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 10, in McKay Auditorium at the Beeghly College of Education, located on the corner of 5th Avenue and Rayen Avenue, Youngstown, with a reception to follow.

Memorial tributes to the Dean Joseph Edwards Memorial Scholarship Fund may be sent to the YSU Foundation, 606 Wick Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio 44502.

The family would like to express their appreciation and thank their devoted friend Dr. Darla Funk for her support through Joe's illness. Also, the support of immediate and extended family and friends, Boardman St. E's doctors, nurses, and staff, and Hospice of the Valley will be cherished for their dedication and compassion.

Arrangements are being handled by the Davidson-Becker Funeral Homes in Struthers. Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.