Obituary of Edward R. Koulik

On September 14, 2014, St. Peter welcomed into heaven one of the Wyoming Valley's best plumbers, Edward R "Rocky" Koulik, 66, of Jenkins Township. Ed passed unexpectedly at his private residence. Born in the Hudson section of Plains on December 3, 1947, he was a son to the late Edward and Nellie Yanchus Koulik. Ed attended local schools in Plains and graduated from the Plains Memorial High School, class of 1965. He joined the United States Air Force and served his country during Vietnam. During his tour of duty he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant for his honorable service. Returning back to the valley, Ed found employment at Hammer's Garage, Hudson. Ed worked as a mechanic for a few years and then decided to go into business for himself. In 1974, Ed established the Koulik Plumbing and Heating Service where he worked for thirty two years until 2006. During this time Ed passed his knowledge onto his son Edward, who is the owner of Koulik Mechanical Inc. Since 1984, Mr. Koulik also took on the job of grave digger and care taker for St Mary's of the Maternity Cemetery, Italian Independent Cemetery, both of West Wyoming and Holy Trinity Cemetery, Bear Creek. He was a member of Our Lady of Hope Parish, Wilkes-Barre, formerly St. Mary's of the Maternity Church. Ed enjoyed watching NASCAR races and was a fan of the late Dale Earnhardt. He enjoyed classic cars, fishing and traveling in his later years. He is survived by his son Edward and his companion Jessica Evans, Plains, daughter Ann Osmanski and her husband Rob, Hudson, brother Larry and his wife Barbara Koulik, Hudson, and grandchildren Milea, Ethan, Griffin, and Vienna. Mr. Koulik's Funeral Service will be held on Friday, September 19, at 10:00 a.m. from the Yanaitis Funeral Home Inc. , 55 Stark Street, Plains. At 10:45 am Rev. John S. Terry, pastor of Our Lady of Hope will be officiating the committal blessing to be held in the chapel of St. Mary's of the Maternity Cemetery, West Wyoming, which Ed helped to build. Full Military honors will be provided by the United States Air Force. Ed will be interred in the Cemetery that he lovingly cared for. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ed's honor may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. For condolences to the family and directions to the services, please visit www. yanaitisfuneralhome.com.