Edward Anthony Terepka

TEREPKA, Edward A., 87, of Largo, passed away Dec 10, 2009. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Clarice; sons, Roy and Steve; daughter, Sandra; daughters-in-law, Janice and Debbie, son- in- law, Larry; brother, Ray and sister Wanda and grandchildren, Lynnsey, Austin, Daniel, Sara, Kyle and Jared. Ed and his wife, Clarice owned a business in downtown Largo, the Cabinet Corner, for over 30 years. Ed belonged to the Star Lodge #78, F&AM Scotish Rite and Egypt Temple Shrine and was a member of the Tin Lizzie Unit. While serving in the US Army during WW II, he was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. Ed’s life was devoted to his wife, children and grandchildren, deriving his deepest pleasures from helping them in any way he could. Friends may call 2-4 Sunday at the funeral home chapel with a Masonic service at 3:30 pm. A funeral service will be held 2 pm Monday at Anona Chapel of Prayer, 13233 Indian Rocks Road, Largo. Burial will follow in Serenity Gardens Memorial Park. Please view Ed’s online memorial at www.MEM.com.Moss-Feaster Funeral HomeLargo (727) 562-2080**************************************************************This Message was written by Roy, Ed's oldest son and read at the funeral service:After a long battle with declining health, my father passed away on Thursday 12/10. He was: my mentor, my confidant, my advisor, my cohort, my coworker, my coconspirator, my toughest critic and my best friend. He was my Dad.**************************************************************The following was read by Ed's daughter, Sandra, at the funeral service:My father, quite simply, - has always been my hero. My father could be quite social, but preferred the simple company of his family and close friends. Nothing ever seemed to give him near the pleasure as the physical act of helping others. He would design and build just about anything with his reward being only the knowledge that he was giving pleasure or making life in some way better or easier for those he loved. I am quite certain that most of the people here today and yesterday have been helped in some way by my father. You are enjoying the use of something he helped you build or repair, or you are part of a lodge or meeting room that he renovated or customized for your use. This was his labor of love.I also realize how fortunate I am to have a father who loved the way he did. It was a pure, truly giving, love. Being raise by a man like that was a gift like no other. My father did not express this verbally, but expressed it through these actions, in the repeated gifts of his time and patience and support. My father had a great sense of humor and mischievous way about him. He loved to laugh and often found humor in his own mistakes. He taught me to take pleasure in everyday living. He stopped often take pride in his own work, and to admire the accomplishments and skills of his family. He tended to look at the good in life, rather than dwelling on what could-have-been. My father would bluntly tell you when you had screwed up but he would also recognize a job well done, and let you know it with genuine praise. Not flowery overstatements, just honest recognition.My father loved to eat. We often said that my mother ate to live and my father lived to eat. However, he obviously married her for something other than her cooking skills. You might think this would be a source of contention, but it was always obvious to me that my father fell in love with my mother for other reasons. I never noticed him admire any other woman than my mother. He truly adored her. In his 70’s he told me that he still thought my mother was one of the best looking women he knew and that she still had “a great set of legs”. In his 80’s he said that he felt that he had been blessed with three great kids and could ask for nothing more in life. This, he attributed entirely to my mother and was eternally grateful to her for raising us. In his mind, it was his job to provide, and my mother’s job to care for the kids. He felt that she had performed miracles and there was no way he could ever have asked for anything more in life. Growing up, watching a man love like that, leaves you with a belief that you can find a similar relationship for yourself. I think that both of my brothers and I have been fortunate to find something close (though for some of us took a couple of tries.)My father served in the army in World War II and went to college afterward on the GI Bill and earned a BS in mechanical engineering. I too, earned a BS in mechanical engineering. In all my years of practice, I have never known and engineer that was so well rounded. Dad seemed to be able to figure out just about everything. He also had the engineer’s view of life in that “there is rarely just one right way to accomplish something”. There are usually multiple solutions to a problem and it is the engineer’s job to find the one most appropriate for the budget and time available. I think he looked at much of life that way. He accepted his children’s various approaches to life, giving us input, while not being critical. I felt his support, and know he was the same with my brothers, even when he might not have agreed with our approaches. He could disagree with you, without argument. Even when he strongly disagreed with you, he would simply tell you that he respected your right to be “wrong”. He allowed us to grow, each in our own way. I often saw wisdom in him that I rarely find in others.Others travel the world to see great wonders, or build their fortunes or castles. I think the travel my father wanted most was to travel home each evening to have dinner with his family. The castle my father wanted to build was his own dream home for his wife and children. He built several during his life. The last was right here on the water in Largo. He said to me, not long ago, that if he had to live his life over again, he would not change a single thing. What a great way to look back at your life.For me, my father is not gone. I see him everywhere in my life. He is in my family and in all that he has given us. I see him in the integrity, reliability, honesty that he instilled in my brothers. In them, I see his sense of humor, his wit, and his belief in the good in other people. I see him in his grandchildren. Personally, when I wake in the morning, I sing in the shower and delight in the day. I recall hearing my father sing in the shower, and enjoy the morning. I know that my own love of life, my appreciation for the simple beauty of the everyday world around me, I attribute to my father. He will be with me always.**************************************************************The following was read by Ed's youngest son, Steve, at the funeral service:My parents used to tell me “Friends you can Pick, Family you’re stuck with.”There comes a time in everyone’s lives when you stop viewing your parents as Mom & Dad, and as the authoritarian figures in your lives. You see them objectively, as just regular people with both good and bad qualities.At that stage, some children don’t like what they see and they distance themselves from their parents, either socially or geographically.At that juncture in my life, I chose to move close to home.I recognized and truly admired the qualities I saw in Eddy Terepka.He was such a Good Man. He Defined to me what a Man should be and how he should treat his Friends and Family.-This man was Caring and Compassionate. He chose to see the best in the one’s he loved, always doing what he could to help in every situation. He would stand by you, right or wrong and fight any fight on your behalf.-This was a very Giving Man. -He was always willing to give of himself Mentally. You could talk with him about anything and he would give you his undivided attention. He had a unique ability to focus in on Your situation and help with Your problem. He always had such clarity in thought. This man was extremely intelligent and he was never judgmental or condescending. -He was always willing to give of himself Physically. When ever I needed an extra hand with a project, he was always Eager to help. From helping me muscle an engine into my first car to helping me build furniture for my first child.His example taught me that no matter what your financial or social stature you should never be above hard work.Neither, Mental or Physical Labor.I know Eddy Terepka is at peace with his life and has no regrets.His intentions were always Pure.His intentions were to always do what was best for his friends and family.“Friends you can Pick, Family you’re stuck with.” I was blessed to have this man, in my life, as my best friend. I was blessed to have this man, in my life, as my father.I’m going to miss you Dad……..…**************************************************************The following was read by Ed's daughter-in-law, Janice, at the funeral service:Where do I start?Eddie was a wonderful man. He was a man of honor, integrity, and high values. He always put the love and care of his family first. Eddie didn’t show his affection in public, but if you watched you could see how much he loved and admired his wife Sam, by the little pats here and there. He had true unconditional love for Sam, and that will always be and is waiting until they meet again in heaven. You could tell how much he loved his children by how proud he was of each of them.He was a great man and raised 2 great sons that took after him in so many ways, and a daughter who is a remarkable woman, each of them have the high values, integrity, and honor as their Father.And if anyone was around this family long enough; You could tell that all of his children, their spouses and his grandchildren had the most respect for him, We always referred to him as “Father”, for he was the Patriarch of our family, and he will be sorely missed by each and every one of us in our own ways. Eddie always wanted to keep himself busy with projects and towards the end, when he was unable to do the projects physically; he kept his mind busy on his computer.We all have many memories of projects with the Father, from building toys for the grandchildren to building projects for all our homes.I would like to share one of my most favorite times and memories: it at tradition at Christmas dinner when we would break bread with each other and go around the room hugging and whispering how much we cared for each other. And every year I looked forward to my hug with Eddie and him telling me he loved me and that he was proud I was a part of his family.Eddie loved and treated me as if I was one of his own children and for that I will always be so grateful to have the honor to be a part of this wonderful family that he and Sam have created.In closing I would like to read a scripture that Lynnsey found for me, it is:1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. **************************************************************The following was read by Ed's daughter-in-law, Debbie, at the funeral service:The following was read by Ed's daughter in-law, Debbie, at the funeral service:My name is Debbie Terepka and I wanted to take this opportunity to say how fortunate I have been to be a part of the Terepka family.Some of my favorite memories of Eddie took place at the family dinner table. It was during those gatherings that his love for his family was evident through endless stories. Whether it was about the family vacation at highland lakes, building their homes, working together at the Cabinet Corner or countless other shared events. Sometimes we laughed until we cried. In our family Eddie was also know as Pop-Pop. Pop-Pop was an awesome grand parent. He was always eager to get involved with whatever my kids were doing. Whether it was building a tree house with Daniel, teaching Kyle how to build a wooden boat or singing silly songs with Sara. I only hope that my children will remember Pop-Pop as I do. As a loving family man who gave of himself, willingly, without question and with heart.And again, please know I feel honored to be apart of this family. I shall forever miss Pop-Pop’s big hugs and affection.**************************************************************The following was read by Ed's son-in-law, Larry, at the funeral service:My name is Larry Hoffman, and I’m the newest member of the “Terepka” family. I met Sandy, Ed’s daughter, in the summer of 2001, and after a few dates, was invited over to her parents’ house for dinner. At this point in my life, I knew this “invitation” was actually a prescreening conducted by her brothers, sister – in laws, and parents to see if I had any potential! The initial few moments were cordial, and as the evening went on, I felt extremely comfortable, as if I had known this family for much longer than a few hours.Ed, (or “Pop” as I later called him), was a very proud man. Proud of his family that surrounded him, and the love they shared towards one-another. Brothers helping brothers, brothers helping their sister, sister-in-laws helping each other…. If you were to look up in the dictionary the word “family” you’d see a picture of Ed and his crew.Over the past 8 years, I’ve been privileged to be a member of this family. I’ve experienced Ed’s values, love, kindness, and unselfish dedication towards his wife, children, grandchildren, and anyone else who were to need his help.A case in point: One weekend sandy and I were going to build a wooden deck in the backyard. Pop volunteered to help…great! It can’t hurt to have a master craftsman on the job! Anyway…… I needed to get some additional lumber, so Pop and I went to Lowes for the supplies. I put the lumber inside the back of my avalanche with part of the load extending into the passenger area, and was ready to head home. Ed asked if I was going to tie the wood down. I said “no” it won’t go anywhere and besides, we’re just going a few blocks. He just smiled!!!!The first turn I made all the lumber slid to one side and almost wacked him on the side of the head!! He didn’t yell or even get angry. He just said these two words: “load shift”…and smiled!!! He didn’t poke me in the eye….or drill me a new one. He had spoken….and I had learned my lesson. Period!!!Ed lived and led his life by example. His family is a mirror of those fine qualities. Anyone who had the good fortune to have known and shared any time with Pop knows what a quality human being he was. I have been blessed to have known Ed Terepka, and, although my time with him relatively short, the experience and exposure will be everlasting.Thanks Pop for the times we shared.**************************************************************The following is an approximation of what was an extemperaneous statement by Ed's brother, Ray, at the funeral service:Most of you may not know, but...**************************************************************The following is an approximation of what was an extemperaneous statement by Ed's wife, Clarice, at the funeral service:Ed was, and I quote a "Husband" Loved and Loving.Ed was, and I quote, a "Father" and was so very very proud.Ed was a Mason and a Shriner, and I think that says it all.*********************************************************************************