Edward Brletich – Donora

Edward Brletich, 87, of Donora, passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at his home with his loving family by his side. He was born on Aug. 12, 1935, in Donora, to the late Francis and Rose Ann Pribanic Brletic, both immigrants from Croatia. He was the last surviving member of his family and the youngest of 10 children. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Catherine (Mike) Karabin; brothers, Frank (Eva), John (Sharon), George (Carolyn), Richard (Libby), Joe (Rose); sister, Rosemarie as an adolescent; and twins, Thomas and Mary, as infants; mother and father-in-law, Neil and Marie Cassatt; brother-in-law, Merle Cassatt; Uncle Stric; and his most beloved pups, Casey and Coco. Ed “Burlap” Brletich graduated from Donora High School in 1954. He was a member of the 1953 championship football team. This started his love of the game. He briefly attended Elon University on a full football scholarship, but left school early to take care of his ailing mother. He coached Donora Dragons midget league football for many years and was president of the DYAA for several years. Some of his “boys” on the teams still call him “Coach” or “Stickman.” He also coached little league baseball for a few decades. Ed was also an armchair coach for his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers, whether good or bad. Ed was retired from U.S. Steel with 30 years of service. It was often said he emulated Joe Magarac, the legendary steelworker. He then worked as the part-time code enforcement officer and building inspector for the Borough of Donora, working until he was 81. He was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army for six years. Ed enjoyed hunting and fishing, but mostly because he got to spend the time with his family. Whether he was successful in bagging a deer, or yanking a trout clear out of the water when setting a hook, he was happy to spend the time together with those that he loved. He had a green thumb, spending time working in his garden and growing flowers and fruit trees. It was said he could grow a tree from a toothpick. He was a great cook in his later years and was known for making the best potato salad and pierogies. He enjoyed trips to Myrtle Beach and to the casinos with his wife. He was a member of St. Dominic’s Parish (now St. Andrew the Apostle) and for over 50 years was a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union. Zbogom prijatelji do ponovnog susreta. He loved kids and always said they had the life until they went to school and someone ruined it. He was married to Gloria Cassatt Brletich, who survives him, his everlasting and devoted love for 63 years. His great smile and dancing moves won her over. In addition to his wife, Ed had a great love for his children and their families; favorite daughter, Gloria (Al) Russo; and sons, Edward Jr. (Linda), Dan (fiancé, Holly), Tom (Loretta), Chris (Stacy) and Jason (Venice). He had great love for his grandchildren, who knew him as “Pap,” Derek (Colleen), Lindsey (Marisel), Finn, Kelsey (Colley) Peters, Maia Russo, Jeff (Amanda) Puckey, Thomas (Carley), Christina (Austin) Kennedy, Christian, Kailee (Brandon) Serrano, Dylan, Gia and Patrick Holden, VJ Capane and Dante Capane. His treasures were his great-grandchildren, Sydnee, Thomas III, Harper, Landon, Justyn, Aydn, Caleb, Isla, Gianni and Gabriella. He is also survived by his extended family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, David, Brandon (Annie) and Scott (Rachel) Wozniak and Bryson and Taysom Wozniak; a brother-in-law, Dick Cassatt; and many nieces and nephews from both sides of the family. He had a great fondness for special friends Babe and Ron Koscelek, Sandy and Drew Mauser and Maryann and the late Bill (Kum) Bandalo. Ed fought multiple ailments in his later years, and through the care and devotion of his wife, was able to lead a productive life. He survived four bouts of various cancers, heart disease and intestinal complications. Being afflicted the second time with lung cancer ultimately proved to be his nemesis. His message to all is: don’t smoke. A special thank you to Suncrest Hospice and Drs. Lim, Shinn and Krishnan, his primary care and cancer physicians. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society or a children’s agency of your choice is requested.

My ode to you the love of my life:
I watched every day
You slipping away
So hard to see
It’s been you and me
For many years
I hold back the tears
Day after day
Knowing that soon
You’ll go away
I’ll be alone
And look at your chair
Remembering
When you were there
Rest now my love
Look down from above
And see us all grieve
Because you had to leave
Missing you, Gloria

Arrangements have been entrusted to ANTHONY L. MASSAFRA FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE INC., 40 Second St. Ext., Donora, PA 15033, 724-379-6900, where friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, March 5, 2023. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home at 11 a.m. Monday, March 6, 2023. Interment will follow in Mon Valley Memorial Park with full military rites being accorded by the Mon Valley Honor Guard and Firing Squad. To share a condolence, please visit www.massafrafuneralhome.com.