Edward J. Tomchak, 58, of Columbus Avenue died Thursday, December 27, 2007 at his home.

He was born March 28, 1949 in Wilkes Barre, PA, the son of William and Victoria (Zelinski) Tomchak and had been an area resident most of his life.

He worked as a merchant marine for the Interlake Steamship Company for over 27 years prior to his retirement.

A member of Mother of Sorrows Church and the BPO Elks #208, he dearly loved his family, the Green Bay Packers, the New York Yankees, and Notre Dame. He also walked extensively around town and enjoyed his garden, his big screen TV, dancing, music, games, cards (one game in particular that goes by the name of Hillbilly Rummy), and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.

His survivors include his wife, Monica (Moody) Tomchak, whom he married on September 15, 1979; three children, Melissa Tomchak Bragg, Heather (Daniel) Tomchak Bragg, and Victoria Tomchak, all of Ashtabula; six grandchildren, Erin Michael Bragg, Marcene Bragg, Alanna Bragg, Troy Edward Tomchak, Daniel Lee Bragg, Jr., and Thomas Bragg; one brother, Adam (Geraldine) Tomchak of Wilkes Barre, PA; two sisters, Irene Lyons and Mary Tomchak; his mother-in-law who thought of him as her son, Monica Garvey of Ashtabula; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, including Brian McEndree for whom he had a special place in his heart.

He was preceded in death by seven brothers, William, Vincent, Steven, John, Stanley, Joseph, and Benjamin Tomchak; two sisters, Margaret “Margie” Tomchak and Helen Tomchak; and his parents.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 AM Monday, December 31, 2007 at Mother of Sorrows Church, 1464 West 6th Street, Ashtabula. Fr. Michael Garvey of St. Rose Church, Girard, OH will preside assisted by Rev. Kenneth Roberts, Pastor of Pentecostal Church of God. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Ashtabula.

Calling hours will be 2-4 and 7-9 PM Sunday, December 30, 2007 at the Zaback-Ducro Funeral Home, 500 West Prospect Road, Ashtabula. The Elks will conduct their memorial service at 7 PM at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 1166 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula, OH 44004

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