Edward J. Kuzma
September 2, 1948 - April 25, 2024
Edward Julius Kuzma, Jr. passed from this earth into the arms of our Lord peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, April 25, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 75. Born and raised in Trenton, NJ, son of the late Edward J. Kuzma Sr. and Kathryn Kuzma. He was a longtime resident of Bristol Borough, PA. Drafted after graduation from Trenton High School, Edward proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. Edward's time with the Air Force began at Florida's Eglin Air Force Base, where bomb testing took place. After Florida, he was shipped overseas to Ubon Thailand, and became a Senior Airman E-4 Seargent, during the Vietnam War. In Thailand, he provided comfort and food for the children at an orphanage, his strongest memory of the Vietnam War. Edward last served at Loring Air Force Base, Maine. After three years with the United States Airforce, Edward J. Kuzma Jr. was Honorably Discharged.
Edward, fondly known as Big Ed, The Kuz, Fast Eddie, Edziu ,Ed, was a retired carpenter with the NJ Carpenters Union Local # 31. Most buildings and bridges from New York to Philadelphia, were constructed by the skilled foreman. After retirement, being the hardworking man that he was, Ed continued to work side jobs lending his skilled hand to family and friends when they were in need. Ed also continued to stay busy, working at The Borough Pub, performing maintenance and housekeeping. Cruising in his best friends boat down the Tuckerton Bay fishing, or tinkering with his trains, putting the oldies on and sharing a drink on the front porch with the neighbors and friends, going for a cruise in the car, or hitting the Pub to meet " The Guys" for an afternoon Coors Lite or two, was Ed's most favorite and enjoyable times spent during his days of retirement. Time spent with his wife, children and grandchildren though, he most cherished. Pop-pop was always on duty, making the daily morning and afternoon school pick-ups, caring for the children on sick days, attending every school event and always present, supporting every monumental moment of the children's lives. Being a husband, a father and grandfather, he was utmost proud and cherished. Ed brought a smile, plenty of one liner remarks, laughs and kindness to all those around him, but mostly in his home with his loving wife Linda and their children and the families of their own that they created. Ed was the fun of the family. His memory will forever remain etched in our hearts, reminding us to work hard but relax, “don’t sweat the small stuff,” be respectful, embrace family and cherish every moment with love and gratitude.
Edward is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Linda J. Kuzma, his children Valerie Stiltner (John), Anna-teresa J. Kuzma, Erika Bennett (Gary), Edward J. Kuzma III (Lauri), and will be sadly missed by his grandchildren, Bryce, Dominick, Julian, Layla, John Carlo, Demi, Brody, Jayden, Grand dog Lucy, Son in law William Meyers, and adopted daughter by heart Alena Clark and son Grayson. He will be greatly missed by his best friends Ernie Schumann, Andy Tobias, and "The Guys” at the Pub, along with many relatives and friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass on Saturday, May 4, 2024, 10:00am at St. Mark Church, Bristol Borough. Friends may call Friday evening, 5:00pm-8:00pm and Saturday morning 8:30am-9:30am at the Wade Funeral Home, 1002 Radcliffe Street, Bristol Borough. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) Attn: Katie Maness, 3033 Wilson Blvd. Third Floor, Arlington, VA 22201. Also, the foundation near and dear to Ed’s heart: The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation “Pediatric Proton Therapy Center of CHOP at Penn” PO Box 781352, Philadelphia PA 19178-1352
Service Details
Viewing Hours
Friday, May 3, 2024
5:00PM-8:00PM
Wade Funeral Home
1002 Radcliffe St, Bristol, PA 19007
Viewing Hours
Saturday, May 4, 2024
8:30AM-9:30AM
Wade Funeral Home
1002 Radcliffe St, Bristol, PA 19007
Funeral Mass
Saturday, May 4, 2024
10:00AM
St. Mark Church
1025 Radcliffe St, Bristol, PA 19007
In Memory of
Edward J. Kuzma
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Donna Bralynski shared a condolence
So sorry to hear cousin eddie passed. I remember him popping by the house to say hi to my dad who always called him edzieu. He always made me laugh. The constant charmer
4/29/2024
Harry Kathy Sypniewski shared a condolence
Remembering Eddie’s life as a dear friend who was always offering a helpful hand or just sporadically stopping by to have a beer & catch up. He is most remembered for his loving care as a provider of his family.. with Eddie his family was first & foremost. Eddie’s spirit will continue to live through Linda and children giving them unbelievable strength. Eddie, our forever friend will always be remembered .
5/1/2024
Valerie Stiltner shared a photo and condolence
In my heart forever Daddy ❤️
4/29/2024
Janet Ciaccia shared a condolence
Big Ed always made me feel like i belonged with his family🩶 I’ll never forget the first time i met him, at Phinnys, probably 25 years ago. He was around my age now (lol) and tried to buy Val a drink. I was like “Val, some old man is trying to buy you a beer…” she basically choked on her drink and said “Chach, that’s my dad!” I’ll never forget you Big Ed🩶
5/2/2024
Jamie Landis shared a condolence
I am so sorry to hear of Eddie's passing. He was such a nice, funny, and friendly man.. definitely will be missed. ❤️ I will have a Coors lite bottle for you! 🍻
4/29/2024
Cyndi Inscho-Lade shared a condolence
As a child growing up without a dad, my two uncles made up for that and were an integral part of my life. My Uncle Eddie made me laugh by talking like Donald Duck when he would stop by “headquarters” to see his mom and grab a piece of cheese from the fridge. As an adult, we talked on the phone since I moved so far away, and he would always tell me that he would go and visit my brother’s grave and pray many times. He also prayed for my son in the Army and offered any assistance after Matthew became a Veteran like himself. Uncle Eddie was selfless, always thinking and doing for others. He raised 4 beautiful children and was a dedicated husband to his wife. He left a legacy of love, care, and compassion for his family. He touched so many lives in wonderful ways and he is deeply missed. I will forever miss our phone calls, but God-willing we will be united again in heaven one day. Family, I am so sorry for your pain and I pray that God brings you the comfort that you deserve.
-All my love, Cyndi
5/1/2024