Edward J. Sloff

Edward J Sloff, 89, of Walnut Street, St. Marys, PA passed away with his family by his side Monday, February 13, 2023 at his residence.

Edward was born July 16, 1933 in Sykesville, PA to the late Joseph and Mary (Shema) Sloff.

On August 26, 1961 he married the love of his life, Ruth “Pug” Hasselman, who survives.  They celebrated 61 years of love, laughter, happiness, and faith.  Their marriage set an example to be followed by their family for generations to come.

Together they built their greatest treasure, their family.  He loved spending time with his family, enjoying holidays with them, watching them in sports, or singing “You Are My Sunshine” to nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.  Ed is survived by a daughter, Amy Higgins, a son, Michael Sloff and his wife Kim, a daughter, Molly Uberti and her husband Curtis; grandchildren: Jimmy Higgins and his wife Crystal, Nathan Higgins and his wife Laura, Seth Higgins and Diana Nguyen, Abbey Sloff, Rachel Sloff, Nickolas Sloff, Christian Sloff, Taylor Uberti, Joshua Uberti; great grandchildren Luka Higgins, Finn Higgins, Harper Higgins, Jackson Higgins, and Lennon Higgins.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Marie Sloff, and his brother, John Michael Sloff, who passed in infancy.

Ed was a graduate of Sykesville-Henderson High School, class of 1951. Nicknamed “Topper”, he is considered to be one of the best basketball players of Sykesville High with a record of 43 points via the two handed set shot and jump hook. His record setting performance preceded the three-point line by decades. In addition to excelling on the basketball court, Ed also played baseball and football. As a left-hander growing up in a coal mining community of Slovak immigrants, Ed had to fashion his own left-handed baseball mitt until one was given to him by a soldier returning from service.  When the coal mining business was poor, Ed and his father made additional money digging graves by hand.  Although Ed grew up in material poverty, he was surrounded by a wealth of love and support in his early years.

Ed initially wanted to follow his father into work in the coal mines.  But standing at 6’3”, Ed made a poor fit for the vocation, which his father made clear after one trip down a mine shaft.  As a result, Ed spent his life in the pursuit and promotion of education.  He believed in the ability of education to transform lives and lift generations from poverty.  He began his education at Indiana State College but it was interrupted when he was drafted in 1953. Ed was a reluctant draftee but proudly served two years in the Army, including a tour in the Korean War.  Throughout the rest of his life, Ed generously donated to many veterans’ organizations and retained a strong belief in the importance of service.

After separating from the Army, he completed his Bachelors of Science in Education at Clarion University. During his college years, he continued to play basketball.  He went on to get his masters in counseling education at Penn State University in 1962.  Ed remained an avid Penn State fan throughout the rest of his life.

During his 40 year career, he taught at Dayton Area High School, Ridgway Area High School, and St. Marys Area School District for 34 years.  In addition to teaching, Ed was also a guidance counselor and acting principal. Ed loved his students and was loved in return.  Decades after having taught a student, Ed could still recall names when running into a former student throughout town.  Ed strongly believed all students, no matter their background or upbringing, were worthy of a quality education and respect.  Ed also spent decades as a football and basketball coach.  Long after his sports career ended, Ed remained committed to athletics.

In his later years, Ed enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow with his wife, Pug.  They attended as many school events for their grandchildren and great-grandchildren as possible. Even in their old age, Ed and Pug could still two-step to their favorite polka music, which was a sight worth seeing and brought his children and grandchildren tremendous joy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 11:00 AM, with the Rev. Ben Daghir, officiating and the Rev. Jeffery Noble, concelebrating.  Full military honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail.  Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Friday, February 17, 2023 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM.

As Ed supported those that he loved, in lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to: Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, National Headquarters, ATTN: Financial Operations, 733 Third Ave, Suite 510, New York, NY 10017, www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org  or to: Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh, 2211 Lesnett Road, Unit 12864, Pittsburgh, PA 15241, www.dsapgh.org/donate  or to: Boys and Girls Club of St. Marys, 25 N. St. Marys Street, St. Marys, PA 15857, https://smboysandgirlsclub.com/donate/ .