Edward J. Zelt

Edward J. Zelt, 94, of 724 Vine Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully with his family by his side, Monday, December 23, 2024 at Elk Haven Nursing Home.

He was born June 25, 1930 in St. Marys, son of the late Jacob and Clara Lanzel Zelt.  He was a lifelong resident of the area and a proud veteran of the United States Navy.  Ed graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1948 and continued his studies in Washington D.C. at the Bliss Electrical School.  Ed fell in love with electrical work so much so that he attended Penn State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and later his Professional Engineer license.  He spent his entire career at Stackpole Carbon Company.

On September 16, 1961 in the Sacred Heart Church, Ed married his companion, the late Ruth C. Drabant, who preceded him in death on April 23, 2022.

Ed is survived by his three daughters: Mary (David) Sicheri of St. Marys, Ann Zelt of Glenshaw, PA, Sue Zelt of Littleton, MA; four grandsons: Adam (Samantha) Sicheri, Eric (Courtney) Sicheri, Aidan Kelley, and Liam Kelley; by three great-granddaughters: Brooke, Jordan, and Parker.

In addition to his wife and parents, Ed was preceded in death by a sister, Edna Zelt and a brother, Joseph Zelt.  He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Ed was a man of strong faith.  An inventor by nature, he often fixed things, always tinkering with something or designing and cultivating his vegetable garden.  His daughters are especially grateful that he taught them how to play tennis, ride a bike, drive a car, and ice skate to name a few.  In fact, Ed ice skated well into his 70s, he was one to always be active.  He loved his family and cherished each moment with them and will be remembered as a very kind person.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church at 10:00AM on Monday, December 30, 2024 with Rev. Ignatius Camello, O.S.B., celebrating.  Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

There will be no visitation.

Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the St. Marys Public Library, 127 Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857.