FIBBI EDWARD Age 88, of Carroll Twp., passed on to his heavenly rest on December 22, 2015. Born June 2, 1927, in Woodlawn, PA (now Aliquippa), Ed was the son of the late John and Mary Oberly Fibbi of Aliquippa. Loving husband of Joanne (Zahorsky) Fibbi. They were married on July 31, 1954, in West Aliquippa, and were blessed with 61 years of life, love and devotion to each other. Ed was the solid foundation and gentle heart of his extended family, and took great joy in the love and closeness that has lasted through the generations. Cherished father of John Edward (Jackie) Fibbi of Carroll Twp., Joanne Fibbi of Upper St. Clair, James Edward Fibbi of Carroll Twp., and Kenneth Edward (Michelle) Fibbi of Upper St. Clair; caring and generous Grandpap/Gramps to Angela (Joel) Walsh of Monongahela, and Christopher (Sarah) Fibbi of Jefferson Hills; adoring Pap Pap to Rachel, Matthew, Kayla and Ethan Fibbi of Upper St. Clair; and special Great-Grandpap to Natalie and Miles Walsh. Ed was the much loved brother-in-law of Veronica Zahorsky Panizza of Ambridge and Michael (Karen) Zahorsky of Ambridge. He is also survived by a brother, William (Nancy) Fibbi of Loudon, TN, Godson Michael (Michelle) Vedro of Aliquippa; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephew. Ed graduated from Aliquippa High School in 1945, and was soon drafted into service during WWII. He attended Officers Candidate School, obtaining the rank of Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army at the age of 18. Ed served in 88th Infantry Division, 313th Engineer Combat Battalion of the Army Corps of Engineers in Trieste, Italy. Ed began his business career as a self-employed, residential building contractor in 1949. As a skilled designer, bricklayer and carpenter, Ed built homes in the Sheffield Terrace neighborhood of Aliquippa. He also constructed area businesses, among them, Deceder's Bakery, The Flamingo, Zahorsky's Hardware, Dr. Eger's and Miller and Sons Chevrolet. He was a precise and master craftsman, and shared his talents helping friends and family design, build, remodel and renovate their homes. He was a truly loyal, generous and giving man to all fortunate enough to call him friend. Ed pursued his college education by attending night school while working full time. He attended California State College and received his Master's from the University of Pittsburgh in 1972. His educational career began as a woodshop teacher at Aliquippa Junior High School in 1960. He went on to teach Industrial Arts at Hopewell Junior High School until 1968, when he was hired as the first Executive Director of the Mon Valley Vo-Tech School (Career and Technology Center) in Speers, PA. His leadership at Mon Valley lasted from 1968, beginning with the planning stages for the school, through building construction, staffing and curriculum development, until his retirement in 1992. Ed always took pride in his role as unofficial tour guide for school visitors. And, he especially enjoyed visiting the classrooms to surprise students with his array of masonry and carpentry skills. He spent over two decades dedicated to the education of thousands of students from six area school districts. Since his retirement in 1992, Ed was a devoted advisor to his children and grandchildren helping them navigate the pathways of life. Ed was the epitome of a hard worker, a shining example of kindness and generosity, and a creative problem solver. He passed his incomparable work ethic and strong moral character on to his children. He never stopped teaching, advising and supporting those dearest to him. As a former member, officer and president of the Charleroi Rotary Club, Ed was an enthusiastic organizer of their annual flea markets, and a leader in the club's participation in Charleroi's Halloween parades. Ed also served as Vice President of the First Catholic Union (FCSU) Branch 587 from 1970 to 2012. He was recognized as the FCSU's Top Producer of Annuity Sales of 2014 at their national convention. Ed was a life member of Iota Lambda Sigma fraternity of Industrial Arts Teachers and a life member of PAVA, Pennsylvania Association of Vocational Administrators (currently PACTA, Pennsylvania Association of Career and Technical Administrators.) He and wife, Joanne, have been parishioners at Transfiguration Church (now St. Damien's) in Monongahela since 1969. Please share in the celebration of Ed's life and legacy during visitation hours at FRYE FUNERAL HOME, 427 West Main St., Monongahela, Saturday, December 26, 2015, from 1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and Sunday, December 27, 2015, from 1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial, celebrated by Father William Terza, St. Damien of Molokai Catholic Church, 722 West Main St., Monongahela on Monday, December 28, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow in historic Monongahela Cemetery, 800 Country Club Rd., Monongahela. Memorial donations may be made to St. Damien of Molokai Food Bank, 722 West Main St., Monongahela, PA 15063, or St. John Capistran Ladies of Charity, 1610 McMillan Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15241. Online condolences may be made to the family at: www.fryefuneralhome.com Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb
