Edward A. Tirpack 1930-2025

He was born July 19, 1930, in Campbell, to Slovak immigrants Andrew Tirpack and Helen Pyatak and was the eldest of three siblings.

Following the early passing of his mother, Ed was raised on Starr Street in Campbell by his grandparents, John and Helen Pyatak, and attended McCarthy Elementary School. During this time, his father moved to Pittsburgh, Pa., for work and later married Helen’s sister, Betty Pyatak, who lovingly helped raise Ed.

From a young age, Ed was hardworking and self-motivated. He would deliver newspapers, was active in the Boy Scouts and would work in a pattern shop to earn money for his first set of golf clubs, beginning a lifelong passion for the game. At Campbell Memorial High School, he played baseball, participated in Hi-Y, played trumpet and graduated in 1948.

After high school, Ed attended Youngstown College (now Youngstown State University) before enlisting in the United States Coast Guard. He served as a damage controlman from 1951 to 1954, stationed in Boston, Massachusetts, and was deployed at sea aboard ship, sailing throughout the Atlantic Ocean, from St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Bermuda.

Before his military service, Ed met the love of his life, Maria, in a chance encounter beneath a clock in downtown Youngstown. They remained in touch during his service and were married on May 6, 1956, at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Byzantine Catholic Church. They were blessed with more than 68 years of marriage together before she passed on Feb. 24, 2025.

A skilled carpenter with a strong interest in structural engineering, Ed helped build many homes across the Youngstown area. In 1957, he personally designed and built his family home, with the help of his father, where he and Maria raised their three greatest blessings: Kevin, Mark and Maryellen.

In 1963, Ed began working as a carpenter for General Motors Packard Electric in Warren, where he worked 30 years before retiring in 1993. Known for his craftsmanship and ability to fix almost anything, he took great pride in his work.

Ed and Maria were devoted parishioners of St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church in Campbell and active members of the community. Ed was a member of the St. Michael’s Golf League for nearly 40 years and belonged to the Civic Club, Knights of Columbus and American Legion. He was an avid sports fan of the Cleveland Indians / Guardians, Browns, Cavaliers and the Ohio State Buckeyes. He also enjoyed gardening, puzzles, card games and watching “Wheel of Fortune” with his family.

Above all, Ed was a devoted husband, father and grandfather (“Papa”). Ed will be profoundly missed by his loving children, Kevin Tirpack (Ellen from a previous marriage) of California, Mark Tirpack of North Carolina and Maryellen Tirpack-Jones (Tom) of Maryland. He was the beloved grandfather of Tommy, Aidan, Danielle, Bryan and Doug.

He will also be remembered by his brother, Kenny (Marian) Tirpack; brother-in-law, Charles Kihm; many dear nieces and nephews; and his devoted neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Maria; his sister, Aggie DelSignore and her husband, Joe; his brother, Ray Tirpack, and his wife, Patti; his brother-in-law, Peter Melnik; his brother-in-law, Walter (Lajo) Melnik and his wife, Anne; his sister-in-law, Ann (Hunka) Kihm; and his sister-in-law, Olga Kowalczyk, and her husband, Frank.

The Tirpack family has entrusted Edward’s care to the Wasko Funeral Home in Campbell.

Calling hours will be 10 to 10:45 a.m. Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church in Campbell, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m., officiated by the Very Rev. Kevin E. Marks.

Visit www.waskofamily.com to view this obituary and to leave condolences with the family.

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