Ed Oles

Edward John Oles of Ligonier, PA passed away on January 31 at the age of 83. Born in Baltimore, MD, Ed lived a full life with a rewarding career and a devotion to family. 

Ed had a passion for science and research. He earned his PhD in Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh while working at US Steel Research Lab. He completed his research career after 25 years at Kennametal with 24 patents. Ed always said that he never worked a day in his life because he loved his job. Even in retirement, he never stopped inventing, even in his sleep. 

Ed took pride in his Polish heritage. He danced a great polka and learned to make authentic Polish kielbasa and pierogi. He shared many stories of attending Saint Casimir's Polish Catholic School in Baltimore and serving as an altar boy at 6 a.m. masses. His participation in church activities continued as an adult, serving as a cantor and choir member at Saint Ann's Chapel in Wilpen, PA and the Holy Trinity Memorial Choir.

Everyone who knew Ed, knew he was a baseball fanatic and an encyclopedia of baseball statistics. Always an Orioles fan, he also became an avid (yet disillusioned) Pirates fan. He cherished his memories of coaching the Waterford Rangers little league baseball team. 

Ed was also dedicated to community issues and valued the beauty of the Ligonier Valley. He advocated for removing asbestos in a safe way while on the Ligonier Valley School Board and for protecting air and water quality while serving as President of Citizens to Preserve Ligonier Valley.

Ed's kindness, heartwarming smile, generosity, and joy for following one's passion will be remembered by all who knew him.

Ed is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Vickie (Sowal) Oles, devoted children, Matthew (Lily Espinoza) and Hilary (Todd) Smith, and loving grandson, Pablo. Ed was predeceased by his parents, Edward John Sr. and Isabelle (Keber) Oles, and his sister, Mary Margaret Oles.

A visitation will be held on Friday, February 7, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a remembrance at 6 p.m., at Snyder Green Funeral Home, 402 E. Church Street, Ligonier, PA. Mass in celebration of Ed's life will take place on Saturday, February 8 at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, 342 W. Main Street, Ligonier, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Ed's name to the Ligonier Valley Endowment at 120 E. Main Street, Ligonier, PA (for the Ed Oles Family Scholarship supporting women in science or any student pursuing nursing or additional vocational training) or to the Ligonier Township VFD #1 (Waterford), 44 Fire Hall Lane, Ligonier, PA 15658.