Ed was born on Feb. 18, 1941, in Youngstown, the son of the late Andrew Rakocy and Mary Lucansky Rakocy, and was a lifelong area resident.

He graduated from the first class at Cardinal Mooney High School in 1959 and then attended Youngstown University, pursuing a degree in education.

He took his first teaching position with Saint Patrick’s school in Leetonia while still a student. He also worked for the city of Youngstown on school breaks at this time.

He was on the Youngstown University golf team and continued to be an avid golfer throughout his life, belonging to several golf leagues including the Youngstown Sokol League and The Y League. Much time was spent with his brother and many great friends on the golf course, and he always enjoyed the 19th hole.

He began working for Youngstown City Schools in 1964, as a teacher at Jefferson Elementary.

He then continued his education at Kent State University, receiving his Master’s Degree in 1967.

He began his career as a principal, working at several Youngstown City Schools over the next 30 years, including Harrison, Jefferson, Williamson and finally Cleveland Elementary School. He was a respected leader and well-liked by his staff, forming lifelong friendships along the way.

Early in his career he also served as an educational consultant for the children’s television program, The Electric Company on PBS.

Ed retired in 1995 as a Principal from Youngstown City Schools, but eventually returned as a substitute Principal working at several area elementary, junior and senior high schools, until officially ending his work with schools and students in 2020, at the age of 79.

Ed married Paula Higgins on Aug. 6, 1966, at Saint Patrick Church in Youngstown, this summer would have been their 60th anniversary.

Ed leaves his wife, Paula; his daughter; Mary Rakocy-Dietsch (Stephen Eddy) of Columbus; and his son, Mark Edward Rakocy of Los Angeles, California; his grandchildren, Brieanna (John) Burton-Kimple, Benjamin Burton, Bailey Zoey Burton and Hannah Dietsch; and one great-grandchild, Olie. He also leaves his brother, Terry (Carol) Rakocy of Columbus; along with his nieces, Jennifer, Julie, Patty, Kathleen and their families; his brothers-in-law, Bob Higgins and Tony Higgins; extended family and friends.

Edward was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Andrea Rakocy Burton, who passed away Oct. 27, 2015.

Friends and family may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 6, at the Fox Funeral Home.

A mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2026, at St. Mary Magdalene Parish, Saint Christine Church, 3165 S. Schenley Ave., Youngstown, celebrated by Rev. John Jerek.

Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery, following the mass.

Donations can be made in Ed’s name, to Toys for Tots, in memory of his work with students.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman.

Family and friends may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and to give condolences to the Rakocy family.

(correction)

(special notice)

Edward A. Rakocy 1941-2026

YOUNGSTOWN — Edward A. Rakocy, 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Hospital.

Ed was born Feb. 18, 1941, in Youngstown, the son of the late Andrew Rakocy and Mary Lucansky Rakocy, and was a lifelong area resident.

He graduated from the first class at Cardinal Mooney High School in 1959 and then attended Youngstown University, pursuing a degree in education.

He took his first teaching position with St. Patrick’s School in Leetonia while still a student. He also worked for the City of Youngstown on school breaks at this time.

He was on the Youngstown University golf team and continued to be an avid golfer throughout his life, belonging to several golf leagues, including the Youngstown Sokol League and the Y League. Much time was spent with his brother and many great friends on the golf course and he always enjoyed the 19th hole.

He began working for Youngstown City Schools in 1964 as a teacher at Jefferson Elementary. He then continued his education at Kent State University, receiving his master’s degree in 1967.

He began his career as a principal, working at several Youngstown City Schools over the next 30 years, including Harrison, Jefferson, Williamson and finally Cleveland Elementary School. He was a respected leader and well-liked by his staff, forming lifelong friendships along the way.

Early in his career, he also served as an educational consultant for the children’s television program, “The Electric Company,” on PBS.

Ed retired in 1995 as a principal from Youngstown City Schools but eventually returned as a substitute principal, working at several area elementary, junior and senior high schools until officially ending his work with schools and students in 2020 at the age of 79.

Ed married Paula Higgins on Aug. 6, 1966, at St. Patrick Church in Youngstown; this summer would have been their 60th anniversary.

Ed leaves his wife, Paula; his daughter, Mary Rakocy-Dietsch (Stephen Eddy) of Columbus; his son, Mark Edward Rakocy of Los Angeles, California; his grandchildren, Brieanna (John) Burton-Kimple, Benjamin Burton, Bailey Zoey Burton and Hannah Dietsch; and one great-grandchild, Olie. He also leaves his brother, Terry (Carol) Rakocy of Columbus; his nieces, Jennifer, Julie, Patty, Kathleen and their families; his brothers-in-law, Bob Higgins and Tony Higgins; and extended family and friends.

Edward was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Andrea Rakocy Burton, who passed away Oct. 27, 2015.

Friends and family may call 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 6, at the Fox Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Friday at St. Mary Magdalene Parish-St. Christine Church, 3165 S. Schenley Ave., Youngstown, celebrated by the Rev. John Jerek.

Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery, following Mass.

Donations can be made in Ed’s name to Toys for Tots (www.toysfortots.org) in memory of his work with students.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman. Family and friends may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and to give condolences to the Rakocy family.

(special notice)