died, Monday, January 15, 2007, at Southwest General Hospital after receiving the prayerful support and consolation of the Sacraments. Reverend Mr. Karecki had a heart attack.

Edmund J. Karecki was born on August 17, 1920 in Cleveland, Ohio. While working in the WPA, Edmund was sent to Eagle Trade School where he learned sheet metal and welding. He volunteered and served in the Pacific during World War II for almost two years. He was employed by NASA as a welder for nearly twenty-two years. He retired from NASA in 1984.

Edmund married Irene F. Solet on June 7, 1941. Irene died on August 31, 1984 from a heart attack. Their marriage brought them nine children: Edward, Patricia (deceased), Richard (deceased), Elizabeth (Black), Gerald, Maryanne (Wilder), Robert, Dale, and Dennis and sixteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Edmund was ordained to the diaconate on June 4, 1983 in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Cleveland, Ohio, by the Most Reverend Anthony M. Pilla. Following his ordination, he was assigned to Annunciation Parish in Cleveland. Edmund ministered at Annunciation Parish until 1992, when he was transferred to St. Augustine Parish in Cleveland. At St. Augustine Parish, He exercised a full liturgical ministry including preaching, baptizing and wake services and funerals. He was also involved with visiting the sick and shut-ins, visitations to hospitals and nursing homes. He continued ministering until health issues prevented him from doing so.