Edward "Ed" Metka

Edward Metka, age 86 passed away on Monday, July 1, 2024. Ed was born on January 8, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Adam and Mary Briltz. Ed attended the University of Colorado in Boulder, and later retired as a Civil Engineer in the United States Army Corp of Engineers. Ed was the Founder and President of Vintage Electric Streetcar Company in Windber, Pennsylvania.

Ed’s passion was VESCO, the Vintage Electric Streetcar Company. For 28 years, he strived to bring streetcars to small towns nationwide. He collected and repurposed vintage streetcars that can still be found in cities like Kenosha, Wisconsin. Ed's knowledge of railroads and their history was leveraged to push the renewal of electric passenger railcars. He was proud that his life’s work was highlighted on the Discovery Channel documentary, “Scrapped.” Ed also enjoyed country music and loved singing karaoke at every opportunity. His fondest memories included opening for the Mandrel Sisters and the Grand Theater in New Albany. Ed treasured his time in Floyds Knobs in the early 1970s and spoke often of the good times at the Community Club social events.

Along with his parents, Ed is preceded in death by his wife, June Christensen, and a sister, Betty Metka.

Ed is survived by his children, Edward A. Metka (Eileen Tarbutton), David Metka (Susan), and Karen Young (Tony); grandchildren Jason Metka, Paige Metka, Lauren Meunier (Josh), Alex Metka (Reid), Tyler Jensen (Rebekah), and Dylan Jensen (Amy); and great-grandchildren Riley Metka, Liam and Leo Meunier, and Otto and Everett Jensen.

Ed’s life will be celebrated on Friday, July 12, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with a service to follow at 12:00 PM at Kraft Funeral Service, 2776 Charlestown Road, New Albany, Indiana.