Edward Pastula

A hardworking, giving, and generous man, Edward Pastula accomplished so much of which to be proud, but there was nothing that was of greater significance in his life than being an amazing husband, father, and grandfather. He was never one to be concerned with the pursuit of the seemingly elusive American dream, however, his focus was on living life to the fullest while modeling what it means to live a life of honor, integrity, and unwavering strength. It was easy to see that Edward was a kid at heart when his grandchildren were around, and it was because of his example that his children have learned what it means to truly sacrifice for their own families. Although life will never be the same without Edward here, he leaves behind a timeless legacy that his loved ones will proudly carry on.

It was great to be an American during the 1920s. These are the days that we fondly recall as the Roaring Twenties when jazz music, ballroom dancing, and the peak of Broadway all colored the cultural fabric of our nation. Radios, affordable cars manufactured on assembly lines, and motion pictures in both color and sound were among the most noteworthy advancements in technology while Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh took the world of flight to new heights. It was as this exciting decade was drawing to a close that Joseph and Mary Pastula were eagerly anticipating the birth of their new baby as the new year began in 1928. The big day finally arrived when the baby boy they named Edward drew his first breath on January 10th. He was one of seven children to be raised in the family home in Detroit, Michigan. Edward could often be found with his sister as she was the one who frequently cared for him. His father was a factory worker while his mother was a busy homemaker who cared for him and his siblings, John, Julia, Anna, Lottie, Gene, and Irene. As a young man, he worked in a warehouse where they made radiators, and he joined the Navy when he was just 17. Edward served as a fireman first class in the boiler room in Hawaii for three years altogether.

New and exciting changes were in store for Edward when he met the woman of his dreams. Her name was Rosemary, and it wasn’t long after meeting that they fell deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, they were married, deeply in love when he was just 21. Together they were blessed to welcome seven children into their hearts and home including Linda, Mark, Jerry, Rich, Greg, Paul, and Barbara with their girls being at the beginning and at the end of the birth order while the boys were sandwiched in the middle.

The Pastulas were a close family, and they remained as such as the years went by. While his children were growing up they looked forward to having fun together during the summers and also experienced memorable vacations in Florida, Myrtle Beach, and the Grand Canyon. Because he spent 44 years working as a lineman at Chrysler starting in the afternoon, Edward did much of the cooking, and it has been said that he was a great cook, too. His daughter tried to listen for him coming home from work since she enjoyed sitting and having a glass of milk and cookies with him long after she had already been in bed. Some of her best memories were when she was seven, eight, and nine years old. Edward taught his children by example many of the core values they still adhere to - things like being hardworking, generous, and even selfless. There was nothing that was of greater value to his son than the fact that he learned to be a great husband, father, and grandfather by watching his own father, Edward. His daughter, too, learned to love her spouse and to love her children by watching her father as many of the ways that her father parented her, she did with her children as well. Later in life, Edward was thrilled to become a grandfather and even a great-grandfather who regularly babysat for his grandchildren when they were younger. He was also known for taking them on exciting trips.

All who knew Edward would agree that he was truly an extraordinary man. He loved his wife effortlessly, endlessly, and without condition, and he forever viewed the day he got married to be the best day of his life. Together they let their creativity come to life attending plays alongside one another for years. Edward was a a country music fan, too. He also had quite the personality as he was witty with a fun-loving sense of humor, saying things like, “Spiderman strikes again,” among other catchy phrases.

With a zest for life that was contagious to those around him, Edward Pastula was a blessing to everyone he met. He worked hard, but he played hard, too, and he loved having fun with his family, especially when his grandchildren were involved. Edward will be deeply missed, but he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever cherish.

Edward Pastula died on August 29, 2015. Edward’s family includes his children, Linda, Mark, Jerry, Rich, Greg (Jo), Paul (Mary) and Barbara (Charlie). Beloved grandfather, great grandfather and great great grandfather. Edward was preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary. Family will receive friends Tuesday, 2-9 p.m. at Neely-Turowski Life Story Funeral Home 45100 Warren road, Canton, (between Sheldon and Canton Center Rds), with a rosary at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, 11 a.m. at St John Neumann Catholic Church, 44800 Warren Rd, Canton. In State 10:30 a.m. until mass begins.