EDWARD THOMAS VITIKAS

BERLIN CENTER—A prayer service will be held at 9:15 A.M.at the funeral home Thursday and a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. at the Ladies of the Lake Church, formerly St. James Church in North Jackson, for Edward Thomas Vitikas, 87, who died Saturday evening at St. Elizabeth Health Center, Belmont.
Mr. Vitikas was born November 20, 1925 in Youngstown, a son of Joseph and Mary Brandobur Vitikas.
Ed was a 1943 graduate of Chaney High School and later attended Youngstown State University. He served his country during WWII with the U.S. Army in the South Pacific Theater.
Ed worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 31 years, retiring in 1980. He was a letter carrier for 16 years and 15 years in management. Ed accepted assignments as station manager at Westside, Northside, and Boardman post offices. He also served as Postmaster in Struthers.
He loved to travel, making four 30 day trips to Europe, including a visit behind the "iron curtain" in 1964.
Ed loved the sports of boxing, golf, and softball, but his real passion was professional football. He once played a game at Idora Park against the "King and His Court", a four man softball team and he received an added treat when Eddie Feigner joined him and teammates George Shuba and Chuck Perazich at the Boulevard Tavern for a beer or two.
Ed spoke to many groups on three subjects: WWII how colossal and terrible it was, nobody smiles behind the "iron curtain", and the King and His Court. In his spare time Ed liked to garden.
He was a 42 year member of the Youngstown Saxon Club Branch No. 30. Ed also belonged to the Ellsworth VFW, the Austintown American Legion, John Buckley VFW, the former Mill Creek Kiwanis Club, NARFE, the Curbstone Coaches, the Ellsworth Historical Society, and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees.
He leaves his wife of 22 years, the former Joyce Warren Markota, whom he married April 27, 1991; his step-sons, Mark (Jody) Markota of Girard and Dave (Marianne) Markota of Canfield; 5 nieces; 2 nephews; and many grandnieces and grandnephews.
He was preceded in death by his sisters, Helen Vitikas, Mary Labuda, Sister Alberta of Vincentian Sisters, and Frances Martin; and his brothers, Joseph (Pauline), Frank (Edna), and Steve (Mary).
Friends may call Wednesday from 5 to 7:00 P.M. at the Lane Family Funeral Homes, Canfield Chapel.

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