Budnick, Edward J., 82, passed away on January 11, 2014. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Dolores, his son, Eddie, daughter, Doreen Orlando, and his two grandchildren, Michael Orlando and Bridget Orlando. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Catherine (Leo) Cheslak, his niece, Melissa (Steve) Smith, and was a Great-Uncle to Leo and Sofia Smith.
Ed was born on September 21, 1931 in Detroit, MI to Edward and Helen Budnick.
On October 24, 1953, he married the love of his life, Dolores Cheslak.
When people think of Ed, the first thing that usually comes to mind is his love of baseball. When growing up, Detroit Tiger players would often live in his Detroit neighborhood during the baseball season. They would give him baseballs and autographs. And that began his passion for collecting.
As a kid, he made every attempt possible to see every Tigers game he could. He attended all of the home games during the 1945 World Series, despite the fact that they were played during school days. Going to a World Series game was more important in his eyes than attending school.
His dream growing up was nothing more than to play baseball in the Major Leagues, specifically the Detroit Tigers. He was given the opportunity to try out for the Philadelphia Phillies as a Shortstop, but unfortunately, he did not make it.
He began his appliance repair career with The J.L. Hudson Co, and was with Hudson’s for 10 years. In 1967 he began his own stove repair business, E & B Range Service. Dolores and he operated E & B until retiring in 1995.
After retirement, they enjoyed traveling. First trip was to Alaska. In their travels, Ed made it to 48 different states. Only South Dakota and New Mexico remained.
His love of baseball introduced his family to a lot of unique experiences that other families never have. In his quest to see as many baseball stadiums as possible, he would think nothing of driving miles and/or hours out of his way while on vacation, just to see a stadium. There were also numerous trips to acquire specific autographs of former players. Dolores and his kids thought nothing of this; it was just part of their life.
Ed loved working in his yard. On any summer evening if you went by their house, there was a good chance you would find him in his yard watering his flowers, often with a can of beer in his other hand. Life was good.
In his retirement years, Ed loved being with his Grandkids. From the moment they were born, he would do anything for them. They would put a sparkle in his eye, and make his face light up. He loved watching Michael play baseball, and later Bridget playing softball. He loved being silly with them, and would on occasion act like a kid along with them.
As the years went by, it was harder for Ed to get around, but he made every effort possible to make it to the kids events and to sport collector shows.
Throughout his years of collecting, he met lots of wonderful people. Many of the lifelong friendships he made included Bob Wimmer, Lewis Matlin, and Jim and Mark Dehem.
Visitation will take place Friday, January 17, 2014 from 3 PM to 9 PM with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM at Kaul Funeral Home, 28433 Jefferson, St. Clair Shores, MI.
Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, January 18, 2014 at 12:30 PM with instate at 12:00 PM at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church, 21100 Madison, St. Clair Shores, MI.
Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Township, MI.
Donations may be made on Ed’s behalf to The Capuchin Soup Kitchen
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