Obituary of Edward J. Starsiak

Edward J. Starsiak, 88, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2021 at Ellis Hospital. Born in Pittsfield, MA, he was the son of the late Peter and Helen (Weslowski) Starsiak. Edward attended Schenectady schools and was a 1951 graduate of Mont Pleasant. Following high school, he proudly defended his country in the United States Naval Air Transport Service from 1951 – 1955.  As an avid music lover, Edward sang with a barbershop quartet and the local musical group, the Bobolinks, where he met and married his beloved wife Mary (Marotta) Starsiak on September 18, 1955. Over the years following their marriage, the couple welcomed three daughters. Edward went on to continue his education at Oswego State College and the College of St. Rose, obtaining a Master’s Degree in Education. He was a dedicated educator for many years, teaching industrial arts and drivers’ education for Scotia-Glenville High School and ultimately retiring from Gloversville High School. Edward always went above and beyond to make sure his students were comfortable with, and ultimately enjoyed, learning. He influenced the lives of many and was always eager to lend a helping hand. Edward coached Freshman and JV football as well as track and field. In his spare time, Edward was an avid golfer. He belonged to the Ballston Spa Country Club locally and the Lake Worth Muni Country Club where he spent his winters in Florida. He was a longtime communicate of St. Joseph’s Church in Scotia. Above all, Edward loved his family, especially his grandchildren. His jokes, stories, sense of humor and infectious smile will be remembered by all.

Left to cherish Edward’s memory is his wife Mary Starsiak, his daughters Kim Thurn (Dan), Lori Tate (Scott) and Cindy Metchick (Mark) as well as his grandchildren Julia Thurn, Eric Thurn, Michael Tate, Kristin Tate, Jake Metchick (Emily Walter) and Olivia Metchick. He is also survived by his brother Ernest Starsiak (the late Angela) and brothers-in-law Anthony Marotta (the late Elizabeth) and Louis Marotta (Patricia) along with many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Florence Novak (William) and his sister and brothers-in-law Anna Marotta, Joseph Marotta (Mary), Angela Duchane (Harold), Gloria Mazzone (Joseph), Louise Marotta, and Edith Marotta.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday March 9, 2021 from 8am-10am at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road Glenville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am at St. Joseph’s Church, 231 Second Street, Scotia. Entombment will follow at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna.

Edward’s family would like to thank the Emergency Room and Intensive Care Unit staff at Ellis Hospital for their wonderful care and valiant efforts.

Memorial donations may be made in Edward’s honor to the American Heart Association, 4 Atrium Drive #100 Albany, NY 12205.  Online condolences www.glenvillefuneralhome.com