Edward William Sledjeski, 94, a resident of Gainesville, FL for 25 years passed away on April 26, 2015. He was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn Rempel Sledjeski in 2009. He was born October 21, 1920 in New Jersey to Frances (Dzerzynsky) and John Sledjeski. “Ed”, along with his eight siblings, grew up on the family farm in Mattituck, Long Island, NY. He applied to and was accepted with a full scholarship to Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and the Arts in New York City, and earned a BS in Chemical Engineering. After graduation, he served in the United States Army during WWII. At the war’s conclusion he then went on to receive his Masters Degree from the Newark College of Engineering. He worked for the McKee Corporation in Cleveland, Ohio later transferring to Brussels, Belgium as Senior Vice President of the Davy McKee division for engineering and construction of oil refineries. Throughout his career he traveled to and worked in 44 different countries with homes in both Belgium and Spain. After his retirement he and his wife Marilyn settled in Gainesville. He volunteered as a SCORE advisor and also enrolled at the University of Florida to continue his education because he felt we are never too old to learn. Ed will always be remembered for his humor, his love of life and would sing at a moment’s notice for those around him. He is survived by his sister Irene Garner of Hampton Bay, NY, two daughters from his first marriage to Catherine Coscia Sledjeski, Catherine Sledjeski of Tampa and Jeanne Sledjeski and partner Richard McCarthy of Hyannis, Massachusetts, a grandson David Costa of Hawaii. He leaves behind his companion, Mable Jenks, of North Carolina and his many friends at the Village at Gainesville retirement community. Services are private with inurnment at Florida National Cemetery Bushnell, FL. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Haven Hospice 4200 NW 90th Blvd. Gainesville, FL 32606.
