Edward Joseph Michalkiewicz, 96, formerly of 310 Jefferson St. Oil City, PA., died Saturday January 7, 2017, surrounded by his loving sister-in-law Regina and loving caretaker LindaMay at his side.

Born May 22, 1920 in Oil City, PA., he was the son of the late Anthony & Frances Michalkiewicz.

Ed attended Assumption School and graduated from Oil City High School in 1940.

He was a veteran of the United States Army Air Corp. serving as Sgt. in the payroll dept.

Ed was employed by Pennsylvania, Erie, New York Central and Penn Central Railroads. He ended his 42- year railroad career as a conductor.

Ed was a member of the Assumption B.V.M. Church and had also attended St. Joseph Church.

Ed enjoyed telling stories to any listening ear. He loved Oil City very much and often spoke of how life used to be in Oil City for him, and his family during the great depression.

He was quick to share the recipe for his father’s homemade sauerkraut which was prepared in a large wooden barrel. He also remembers the smell of homemade perogies being labored over in his mother’s kitchen.

Ed was known in his neighborhood as an avid gardener and was always anticipating the placement of his vegetables for the approaching summer’s garden.

In most recent years, Ed enjoyed attending the Conneaut Ohio D-Day re-enactment, long drives, trips to Wegman’s and sharing an ice cream cone with his poodle “Pansy”.

Edward’s love for God, family, and friends was hard to miss when being in his presence.

He is survived by his sister-in-law and companion, Regina Michalkiewicz; special friends LindaMay Byerly and Jane & Paige Price, and nieces and nephews, Karen Grima, Susan Tomaszewski, Kathy Tomaszewski of Detroit, MI, Joseph Tomaszewski Jr. of TN, and several great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a brother Joseph T. Michalkiewicz and a sister Bernice Tomaszewski.

A memorial celebration will be hosted this upcoming summer, with date, location and time to be announced.

The Reinsel Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.

Ed’s loved ones request memorial donations be made to the Venango County Visiting Nurses Association, 491 Allegheny Boulevard Franklin, PA. 16323.

Condolences may be sent at www.reinselfuneralhome.com