Edward Duda

Edward “Ed” Duda, age 97, born and raised in Duquesne, PA and graduated from Duquesne High School in 1944. Was a long time resident of West Mifflin then spending the last 20 years in South Park, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2025 after battling COVID and its complications.  He would have celebrated his 98th  on February 25th.  Ed was a devoted husband (married to Betty Wargovich, 1947-2002 and Marie Gibson, 2012-2017), father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his son, Jim Duda, his daughter, Gerry Ziegenfuss, granddaughters April Smith and Jennifer Dyer, grandson Jason Ziegenfuss, great-grandchildren Elliott and Brendan Smith and Shaun Dyer.  Ed will be remembered for his kindness and sense of humor.  Very important to him was that he served in the Navy during WWII as a motorman 2nd class.  Ed was a welder for US Steel at the National Tube Works in McKeesport.  He was well known for his love of music, especially polkas and he played accordion in a band for over 15 years.  Later he became an organist and keyboardist entertaining family and friends at parties and anywhere he was invited to play. He could play from memory, almost anything – very seldom did he need sheet music. At his condo in the summer when the patio door was open you could see people dancing in the street outside his door. During his last year he was privileged to meet the gentleman who took his place in his accordion band oh so long ago and listened to him at his assisted living residence.  He made a bond with this man, Mikey D, idolized him and was so excitedly happy after listening to him.  We are ever so happy to have Mikey D playing for him and the family again at his viewing from 2:00 to 3:00.  We can see the smile on his face.He enjoyed talking with family and friends about current events and so many people were enthralled listening to his life story and accomplishments, memories from how things were in McKeesport such a long time ago, and his adventures being a pilot, owning his own plane for 15 years. At age 45 he obtained a private pilot’s license with an instrument rated endorsement.  Every year in October he and Betty, his wife, flew to Treasure Island, Florida, for a vacation.  He loved a good cup of coffee and deli meat sandwiches especially a Reuben, but would never turn down any food.  Liked it all!  He enjoyed treats and later in life they were sugar-free, but he didn’t pass them up.  He was blessed with not forgetting anything!  Such a memory to have – ask him anything and he remembered it.  He was an avid bowler, golfer and sports fan.  The TV was on watching everything, except basketball.  He did not like it when the football season was over.  Ed will be dearly missed by family, friends and acquaintances.

Friends and family will be received in the William S. Skovranko Memorial Home Inc. (828 Richford Street, Duquesne, Pa. 15110) on Sunday, March 2, 2025 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.  A Blessing service will be Monday, March 3, 2025 followed by Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. in  Saints Peter and Paul Church  (701 Foster Avenue, Duquesne, Pa. l5110) with Rev. Christiaan Kappes as celebrant. Burial with military honors will follow in  Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery  (1435 Willard Avenue, West Mifflin, Pa 15122)..

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