Obituary of Edward P. Bielec

Edward P. Bielec, age 87, of the Town of Lee, passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on July 22, 2018, after a long illness. Ed was born in Erie, PA, on November 18, 1930, to the late John and Nellie Szafranic Bielec. He graduated from East High School in Erie, PA, and received his Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Edinboro University, Edinboro, PA. He was united in marriage to the former Barbara Sopp in 1954 at St. Peter's Cathedral in Erie, PA., a blessed union of 64 years. He served active duty in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War Era, and continued military service in the U.S. Air Force Reserves for 22 additional years, retiring at the rank of Major on November 18, 1990. Ed was also employed by the Rome City School District as a high school biology teacher, and taught at Rome Free Academy for 33 years before his retirement. Ed was a well-read individual and had an appreciation and true love for nature. He was a member of the Rome Teachers' Association, a past President of St. Joseph's Church Men's Club, a lector at St. Joseph's Church, and a member of the Military Officer's Association of America. Throughout his high school and college years, Ed excelled in football, track, and won various awards in shot put. Ed is survived by the love of his life, Barbara; son, Paul Edward (daughter-in- law Barbara Bielec) of Madison, WI, two daughters Leslie Ann (son-in-law Mark Blackburn) of Rome, and Lynn Aaron Hirst of West Palm Beach, FL; loving grandchildren, Elin (Mark) Beer, Aaron (Sarah) Blackburn, Derek (Catie) Blackburn, Will Bielec, and Leslie Coleman; beloved great grandchildren, Laina Beer, Noah Blackburn and Wyatt Blackburn; sister Rita Baron of Cleveland, OH; sister-in- laws, Geraldine Mitchell of Erie, PA. and Norma Janosko of Grand Prairie, TX, several nieces and nephews, and his loving dog Isabelle. He was predeceased by a grandson, Adam Garrett Blackburn and a brother-in-law, Frank Baron. The family would like to express a special thank you to his long- term caregivers, Shayla Perez, Stacey Elmer, Jamie Rodeo and to Hospice for their care and compassion shown to Ed and his family during his illness. Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Hospice Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY, Rome Humane Society, 6247 Lamphear Rd., Rome, NY, or St. Joseph's Church Memorial Fund, Lee Center, NY. Arrangements are entrusted to the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street. Please offer online condolences at: www.BarryFuneralHome.com.