Edward Waldman

Edward “Ed” Waldman, 92, formerly of Smithfield, OH, passed away Friday, January 1, 2021, at The Lindley Inn in The Plains, OH.

Ed was born July 8, 1928, in Bradley, OH, to the late Joseph and Mary Svarc Waldman Pozar. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 68 years, Toots, in 2019; two brothers, James and Joseph Waldman; his stepfather, Joseph Pozar; and three stepbrothers, Joseph, James, and Frank Pozar.

Ed is survived by his daughters, Cindy Jo Straus and Sherry Waldman, and his son, Edward, Jr. “Eddie” (Barbie Barlage), as well as his three devoted grandsons, Joshua (Jessica) Straus, Noah Straus, and Harm Rogman, who have all inherited their Pap’s do-it-yourself, hard-working ethic. He was also the beloved “Grandpa” to great-grandchildren, Kati Jo, Kalli Rae, Cole Thomas, and Declan Zane Straus. A stepsister, Albiney H. Paolucci of Hinckley, OH, also survives along with several nieces and nephews including nephew, Terry (Cecelia) Fabry who helped his Uncle Ed with his VA benefits and appointments.

Ed was a self-employed independent service station operator along State Rt. 7 in Rayland, OH, for 30 years. His best customers fondly remember the pot-bellied stove that Ed had blazing with a warm coal fire on cold winter mornings. He was a proud 75-year member of the Slovene National Benefit Society and loved to attend the festivals at the SNPJ Campgrounds to dance the polka and perhaps hear someone speaking the Bohemian language he knew as a child.

Ed served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict in the 7th Division, 13th Combat Engineers. After retiring, he became a founding member of the Fort Friendship Park Veterans Museum and the Jefferson County Veterans Association. He spent time with his fellow veterans in creating the memorial at Friendship Park, being especially proud to help erect the Honor Wall for all those from Jefferson County who served in the Armed Forces.

Other memberships included the Piney Fork American Legion, Gwyn Allen Post 735 where Ed served as the firing squad commander, life member of the Yorkville VFW, Korean War Veterans Chapter 70, the Smithfield United Methodist Church, and the Smithfield Historical Society. He was honored to receive the Veteran of the Year Award in 2016 from the Jefferson County Veterans Association, the Octa Foster Spirit Award from the Smithfield High School Alumni Association, and a Community Star Award from the Herald Star in 2012.

The family would like to thank the direct caregivers at The Lindley Inn for the friendship, kindness, and attention given to their father. Services and internment for Ed and his wife will be held at a later date in Smithfield, OH.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Smithfield United Methodist Church, in care of Larry Rish, 2029 Co. Rd. 25, Bloomingdale, OH 43910, or the Piney Fork American Legion, in care of Tony Phillippi, 1341 Co. Rd.15, Rayland, OH 43943.

Ed’s arrangements are in the care of the J.E. Foster Funeral Home in Smithfield, OH. www.jefosterfh.com