Charles Edward Receski, (86), of Indiana, Pennsylvania, died peacefully on Sunday, June 16, 2024 at his home with family at his side. The third child of Charles and Anna (Yoschak) Receski was born on February 26, 1938. Charles, fondly known as “Ed,” spent his early years in the small coal-mining town of Ernest, Pennsylvania. Ed never forgot his roots and was proud to say that he was a native of Ernest.
When Ed was a child, his family moved to a dairy farm in Rayne Township. Some of Ed’s best years were spent living on the farm.
Ed attended the Assumption Church Catholic School in Ernest and Indiana High School, where he participated on the football and wrestling teams. He then attended Lycoming College, where he continued to wrestle and play football.
After graduation from Lycoming, he taught at Avon Grove High School in eastern Pennsylvania and at Blairsville High School. In 1961, he joined the IUP football staff, where he coached until 1972. One of his greatest coaching memories was IUP’s participation in the 1968 Boardwalk Bowl. Ed really enjoyed his interaction with the committed players of high character during that era.
After retiring from coaching, Ed began a 33-year career at IUP in administration and finance. He served as the University’s Vice President of Administration and Finance from 1980 until his retirement in 2006, for a total of 45 years serving IUP. Ed’s long experience at IUP and ability to work with the entire university community made him an effective administrator. His proudest achievement was saving John Sutton Hall and Breezedale from demolition.
In addition, from the 1960’s until just a few months before his death, Ed also operated an accounting and income tax practice, where he assisted thousands of clients through the years. For over 40 years, Ed enjoyed racing trotters and pacers with his long-time racing partner and friend, Tom Brice. Ed also served as a director and Vice Chairman of InFirst Bank since the 1980’s.
On August 11, 1962, Ed married his high school prom date, Julie Anne Wannett. They had four children together, Edward Andrew Receski (Betty) of Lexington, Kentucky; Andrea Terese Fako (Brad) of Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania; Janelle Anne Receski (Matt) of Hickory, Pennsylvania; and Megan Rachelle Sigler (Rob) of Houston, Texas. Ed strived to be the best husband and father that he could be.
In addition to his wife and children, Ed is survived by his brothers, William Receski, Vincent Receski (Toni), Stanley Receski (Nancy), Stephen Receski, and David Receski; sisters, Barbara Kozar (Edward), Janet Receski, Mary Black (David) and Nancy Smolak (Dennis); sisters-in-law, Barbara Receski and Terry Bieleski (James); brother-in-law, Joseph Giotto (Marie); 9 grandchildren, Hunter Simms (Jennifer), Whitney Simms (Wick), Jack Fako, Russell, Julia and Wilda Douglass, and Charles, Joseph and Andrew Sigler; and 3 great grandchildren, Harrison, Field and Scottie Simms.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Robert Receski, sister, Pauline Giotto, sister-in-law, Jeanne Receski, and nephews, James F. Bieleski and Victor Receski.
Ed had many interests, including hunting, skiing, hiking, horse racing, investing and traveling. In particular, he and Julie enjoyed traveling through the American and Canadian West. His hunts took Ed to many exciting and beautiful destinations, including the Yukon, Alberta, Montana, South Dakota and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Ed was also an avid collector of duck decoys, bear traps and western art. His greatest joy was being at his grandchildren and great grandchildren’s events. Ed gave his family a lifetime of wonderful memories that we will cherish forever.
Ed was a long-time member of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church, where he served as a greeter and member of the Finance Council.
Friends will be received on Thursday, June 20th from 4 pm to 8 pm at Bowser Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 4606 Old US 119 Hwy S, Homer City, Pennsylvania. A Mass of Christian Burial in Ed’s honor will be offered at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church on Friday, June 21st at 2 pm, with burial immediately following at St. Bernard Cemetery.
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