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Edward John Skirtich

Passed November 13, 2021

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Obituary For Edward John Skirtich

Award-winning musician and TV producer Edward John Skirtich, 53, entered into eternal life on Saturday, November 13, 2021, from lymphoma. Ed was the beloved son of Joseph (dec.) and Loretta Skirtich, and beloved brother of Fr. John W. Skirtich (Pastor of Our Lady of Hope Parish), Paul F. Skirtich, Rose Anne (Tim) Popovich, and Peter (Joline) Skirtich. He is the beloved uncle and Godfather of nephews John Paul Popovich and Francis Xavier Skirtich, as well as an awesome Uncle Eddie of Maria, Elizabeth and Mark Popovich and Sarah Katherine Skirtich. Ed is also survived by special aunt, Dorothy Skirtich, and numerous beloved Skirtich and McKaveney cousins. Ed was a graduate of Brentwood High School, West Virginia University (trumpet performance), and the University of Pittsburgh (writing certificate). Ed was a teacher and participant in the Homewood Jazz Workshop for many years as well as a noted musician on the Pittsburgh jazz scene and longtime member of the groups Guaracha and Dynasty. As a producer of many television programs for PCTV21, Ed created the talk show “Celebrating Pittsburgh Legacies”, which became a popular mainstay on the station. Ed received two very prestigious awards in Greater Pittsburgh Community Media Awards, including in 2018 for his talk show, “Celebrating Pittsburgh Legacies,” and just two months ago received the Producer Howard Weaver Award, voted on by his peers, for his dedication and hard work on acting, writing, producing, and set design. Ed was able to recruit many fine local and national actors and actresses to appear on his programs, two of whom recently helped him in the recording of a dramatic summary of the Star Wars saga. A unique and one-of-kind personality, Ed was a courageous example of overcoming obstacles to achieve his goals. A man who proudly embodied his unwavering Catholic faith, he never let anything stop him. Our love for him is so immense that no words can describe the sense of loss that we feel, even though we know Ed is happy in heaven with Dad and so many of our cherished family members looking down on us, watching over us, and praying for us. Please join us to celebrate Ed’s life at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral prayer on Thursday morning at 10:30. Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Hope Parish, St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Fr. John R. Haney Angel Fund, ℅ Our Lady of Hope Parish. Ed was the greatest and strongest man we ever knew. Our hearts are broken but our Catholic faith is not. Praised be Jesus Christ for the awe-inspiring life on earth, and eternal life in heaven, of Edward John Skirtich! You did it Ed!

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Condolences

  • June 11, 2022

    Mark S. Walter Esq.

    I attended WVU with Ed. We were on the same floor our freshman year. Later, we shared an apartment our sophomore year. Looking back, I remember attending a few WVU football games with Ed, Me, Michael, and Koji. Music was a constant in Ed's life. Ed was very dedicated to his music studies, WVU marching band, and WVU stage band. Once, Ed told me his dream job would be a band director. Ed had a strong dedication and moral character. Also, Ed had a strong Catholic faith active in the Newman Catholic campus ministry. Ed will be missed.

  • December 06, 2021

    Albert Torcaso

    To Ed's family our family sends our condolences to each of you. I saw Ed playing the trumpet as part of the band in a theatrical production years ago. I spoke with him after and asked him to appear as a guest our an episode of our television series. At first Ed was a little concerned about going live, I told him you'll be fantastic. Well, history shows that he was and he later became a producer of many productions and won awards. We will miss Ed very much, his works and impact will live on here on earth. Al Torcaso

  • November 29, 2021

    Wolfgang H

    Although I did not know Ed, I am friends with his brother, Paul. It is clear from the kind things people are saying about Ed that he was a fabulous human being. I hope that Paul and the entire Skirtish family find solace in the fact that Ed was loved and revered by so many. God bless Ed's soul and keep him in heavenly eternity.

  • November 18, 2021

    Len Slappo

    I have fond memories of Ed from the days of the Rebel Roto League. He was a huge baseball and ever optimistic Pirate fan. It's evident that his interests and accomplishments extended into many areas. May God bless him. My thoughts and prayers to Father John and family.

  • November 18, 2021

    Margaret Gowaty

    Ed, you lucky stiff, you're done with all the BS of this world and are in God's courts. "Better one day in God's courts than thousands elsewhere." I miss you my friend. Pray for us.

  • November 17, 2021

    Mohamad and Jennifer Alwi

    Dear Skirtich family, please accept our profound sympathy for Eddie's passing. He was a warm, kind soul to know. God bless you all. Mohamad, Jennifer, Thomas, Ralph, Luke and Sarah Alwi.

  • November 16, 2021

    Jaki Young

    We are so sorry to hear that Ed Skirtich has transitioned. I remember when he first came to the Jazz Workshop, Inc. and we loved the way he played the trumpet. My father, Harold Young, hired him to be the Artistic Director, a title which was much deserved and one that Ed cherished. His mother, Loretta was diligent in providing much love and support to him throughout the years. It was fun playing with Ed in the Dynasty band. I think Ed had a great personality, had lots of swag, and was very talented. He will be missed. May he rest in heavenly peace 🙏🏽🎶🙏🏽

  • November 16, 2021

    Debbie Deasy

    Dear Ed, May God make you the front man of his Heavenly All Stars Band in paradise. Debbie Deasy

  • November 16, 2021

    Nancy Sirko

    Loretta, Fr. John and Family, As you grieve the loss of your beloved Ed, know that many are holding you in prayer as you journey together remembering this beautiful soul. May you be comforted and know God's peace in this time of sadness. Nancy Sirko Parishioner, Our Lady of Hope Parish

  • November 16, 2021

    Larry Foster

    May fond memories of Ed bring you comfort during this hard time in your life. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.

  • November 16, 2021

    Janelle Burdell

    I'm so sorry to hear this. Ed's spirit was undefeatable. It always encouraged me. He was kind humble & was always smiling no matter what challenge was before him. A full stop quality human. Courageous as hell. I played with him in a big bad plus worked alongside him at the Homewood Jazz Workshop in Pittsburgh.I always appreciated running into him at a jam session or gig.. You will be missed Ed!!! Sending love & prayers to all that loved him. ...✨♥️🙏😞

  • November 15, 2021

    Jillian O’Neil

    It is with a heavy heart that I write this,. I was so blessed in life to have Ed become a part of my life path. I knew Ed as a wonderful friend. We worked together on his acting craft and it was the highlight of so many memories. His passion. People can say the word passion and have no idea what it means, but Ed was the definition of it. His love for every single thing he did. He adored writing scripts and scenes and we had the best time in the world bringing those to life. Some of the fun times I loved so much is he would incorporate props into his film scripts with sports photos and hats and it was so exciting to see. The most beautiful soul, ever. I am blessed we shared moments in this short life where he impacted me highly. I send tons of thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. There is no one ever that will come close to his light. May he be safe in the arms of heaven and his light will forever shine down. Rest, my dear friend..

  • November 15, 2021

    Chris Bursick

    We all know Ed is in a better place, but we will surely miss him. Always a smile, a hello and kind words. I felt a closeness to him and Loretta due to them working with my son at PCTV and seeing them at functions at St. Gabriel/Our Lady of Hope Parish. My prayers Father John, Loretta and all members of your family. Chris Bursick