Edward Jeszka, Jr.

Edward Thaddeus Jeszka, Jr. passed away on May 26, 2018 in his home in Birmingham, AL from complications related to cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family. Ed leaves his devoted wife of 42 years, Candice Ellen; daughter Beth Ellen Krugman and husband Paul; son Edward T. Jeszka III; son Joseph A. Jeszka and wife Meagan; and grandchildren Michael, Audrey, Emma, Ella, and Edward IV. He also leaves behind his loving family: sister Susan Stolt and husband Jim, sister Theresa Drew and husband Doug; nieces and nephews Noelle and husband Warren, Patrick, Kevin, Kristen, and Alexander, and his beloved fur babies Jasper and Journey. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Edward T. Jeszka, Sr. and Pearl R. Jeszka; and his older sister Janet R. Porcarello. Ed was born in Chicago, IL on June 2, 1946. He attended Quigley Preparatory Seminary and DePaul University in Chicago. He served our country in the U.S. Air Force for four years and was stationed in Germany working in National Intelligence during the Vietnam War, before returning home to Glendale, AZ. He worked for the Glendale Fire Department before finding his true passion in the sky and becoming a pilot. Ed’s life passion was aviation. He took great pride in his ability to fly any size aircraft from a Cessna 150 to a Lockheed C-130 Hercules or the aircraft he loved the most, the Hawker 800A. He also flew the C-123 Provider, T-28, T-33 and many other aircraft. He flew for Arizona Strike Force, Southern Air Transport, Thunderbird Aviation, and several other aviation organizations. He spent the last 20 years with the Federal Aviation Administration as an inspector. In the 40 years he dedicated to aviation, he influenced and mentored many pilots. Ed was devoted to his family and his faith community. He volunteered to manage the church café at LifeChurch Birmingham and ministered to all in a very loving and caring way. Many will remember his words of wisdom and sense of humor. Ed and Candy were also members of the Birmingham Tres Dias Community where they helped minister to hundreds of men and women seeking a relationship with Jesus. Many will remember the kind gentleman who drove the Tres Dias bus on retreat weekends. But most of all, Ed will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather, son and brother. A celebration of Ed’s life will be held on Friday, June 1st, 2018 at 6:30 pm at LifeChurch Birmingham. There will be a private burial service. In lieu of flowers, Ed’s family suggests donations be made in his memory to LifeChurch Birmingham Benevolence Fund, 5567 Chalkville Road, Birmingham, AL 35235.