Edward A. Peslak

Edward Alexander Peslak, age 91, joined his beloved wife Bernadette in eternal peace on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, while surrounded by family who “sang him into Heaven.”

Born on June 27, 1932 in Eynon, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Stanislaw and Mary Peslak (Bogus). His father and mother were born in Olawa, Poland and Pennsylvania respectively. They were parishioners of St. Mary of Częstochowa, a Polish Catholic Church in Archbald, PA. Ed grew up with nine adoring brothers and sisters in beautiful Eynon, Pennsylvania where his family owned and operated a popular local pub. Even after leaving Eynon at a young age, he always referred to Pennsylvania as his home.

On May 25, 1957, Ed married the love of his life, Berny, and soon after started their family. Nurturing and tending to Eddie, Bernadette, Bobby and Gerry was their life’s greatest work. Originally residing in Belleville, Ed and Berny eventually settled in Bloomfield and later moved to Livingston, NJ where they lived happily for more than 40 years. In 2007, they renewed their wedding vows at St. Philomena Church.

Ed spoke highly of Harry Sugarman who granted him his very first employment in Sugarman’s Department Store in Eynon, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Archbald High School in 1948, he was conscripted into the United States Army as military police. He began his professional career as a union roofer, joined the Belleville Fire Department and then went onto the Essex County Sheriff’s Department where he rose from the rank of court officer to lieutenant, eventually retiring as a captain. Later in life, he earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Essex County Community College, graduating at the top of his class.

Ed proudly held various civil service positions and eventually embarked on a real estate career. He took tremendous pride in his work and loved telling animated and hilarious stories about his working years. These tales are forever woven into the fabric of his family.

Ed and his wife Berny were devout Roman Catholics and active parishioners at various parishes, including St. Philomena and St. Raphael in Livingston, NJ. His faith in God was unwavering throughout his life. He lived his faith.

Generous, caring, tough and intelligent, he maintained a larger than life personality; Edward Peslak was the stuff legends are made of. Ed took the motto “protect and serve” to heart; his readiness to assist family and friends in need cannot be overstated. A deep thinker, Ed enjoyed debating politics, world events, human behavior and the meaning of life. His unmistakable voice and thunderous laughter will be sorely missed at family gatherings. While he answered to many different names- Dad, Pop Pops, Grandpa, Gramps, Edju, Edge, the Hook, the Polish Prince and Mr. P., he will be fondly remembered by all those who knew him.

Ed was predeceased by his devoted wife E. Bernadette Peslak (LeFrancis) on May 24, 2018, and leaves his incredible memories to be cherished by his adoring children, ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren: Edward Allen, his wife Jean and their two children: Edward Andrew, his wife Christine and their children Nicholas and Camila, Jessica Lynn and fiancé Wolfgang Albrecht; Bernadette Mary, her husband Joseph Gurski and their two children: Alexander Joseph and Katherine Ann; Robert Stanley, his wife Joyce and their three children: Kylie Marie and partner Ryan Trigiani, Christian Robert and Cara Angela; Gerard Joseph, his former wife Joan and their three children: Kimberly Anne and fiancé Kenneth Rae, Jenna Ashley and Brandon Gerard; two adoring siblings: Florence and Catherine Peslak, as well as the late Alexander, Henry, John, Thomas, Frances, Stasia, Jeanette and Baby Julia. Ed is also survived by many precious nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to be made to Aquinas Academy, 388 S. Livingston Avenue, Livingston, NJ 07039

Service information:

On Thursday, November 9, 2023, there will be a viewing from 3-7 PM at the Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home,145 East Mt. Pleasant Ave. Livingston, NJ.

On Friday, November 10, 2023, please join us for a 10 AM Funeral Mass at Saint Philomena Roman Catholic Church, 386 S. Livingston Ave. Livingston, NJ followed by an 11:30 AM Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery & Mausoleum, 225 Ridgedale Ave. East Hanover, NJ.