EDWARD M. SZYMCIAK

EDWARD M. SZYMCIAK age 90. Ed was born at home in Cleveland, Ohio on July 29, 1930 to Steve and Katherine who had immigrated from the Ukraine (Russia). He was the youngest of five children. Ed attended Lincoln High School until he enlisted into the United States Marine Corps in September 1948 and was honorably discharged in September 1949. For a short period of time his pride and joy was his Hudson automobile. However in the summer of 1950, he was recalled into the Marines because of the Korean War. 

Ed served in the First Marine Division, which fought at the "Chosin Reservoir" in November and December 1950.His company defended Hill 1282 with great valor. The Chinese overwhelmed the US Forces and they were forced to evacuate. Ed was initially evacuated to Japan, but at the Chosin Reservoir, Ed suffered frostbite of his hands, face and especially his feet. He lost part of his left foot and spent months at the Philadelphia Naval Hospital recovering and learning to walk again. 

After his second honorable discharge, Ed took a job as a chemist for the City of Cleveland. He met and married Kathleen Clayton in 1955 and his daughter Brenda was the highlight of his life. He later moved to the Lakewood School Board where he retired in 1984.  Ed and Kay stayed active, and for many years they worked at the Strongsville United Methodist Church. 

He is survived by his loving wife Kathleen, His daughter Brenda Spitzer and her husband Donald who live in the Chicago area.  He as three grandchildren, Brian (married to Chad Sohl), Bradley (married to Amanda) and Rebecca Spitzer. He is he devoted great grandfather of Chloe and Autumn Exiner and Leona and Westley Spitzer and a great great grandfather of Amber Bingham. He is the brother of Ann Kubek and the late John Szymciak, Mike Szymciak and Stephanie Vinicky as well as the uncle of nine nieces and nephews. 

Ed was member of the Chosin Reservoir Veterans, National Chosin Few, First Marine Division Association and the Korean War Veterans Association. He is a life member of the DAV Chapter #7, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3345 and the Marine Corps League. He has served as of officer of the local Chosin Few organization and a member of the Harding Concordia Masonic Lodge. 

Ed volunteered as committeeman for the Veteran's Advisory Board when Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery of Rittman, Ohio was founded. He was Chairman of the committee that named the streets and also Chairman of the committee that raised the funds for the flag poles throughout the cemetery. Second to God and his family was the love for the Marine Corps and his country. 

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday November 19, 2020 at 11:30 AM in the funeral home with an interment at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman, Ohio. The family will receive friends Thursday from 10:00 - 11:30 AM at the A. RIPEPI AND SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY ROAD, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OHIO 44130 (WEST of I-71)  

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