With a natural grace, a quiet wisdom, and a loving heart, Edward John Brezovec, 60, a longtime State College, PA, resident, leaves behind a legacy of loving compassion which touched countless members of his community.
Born in Johnstown, PA, Ed attended Bishop McCort High School where he took Bernadette (Rist) to prom. Ed graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering before going on to an accomplished 30-year career as a field engineer in the oil and gas industry. Becoming an Eagle Scout at the astonishing age of 15, Ed guided dozens of young men in the honor, including three of his own children. A natural teacher, Ed taught self-control and iron fortitude as a means to overcome destructive emotions, conquer oneself, and focus the mind on living a virtuous life.
Serving as the Nittany District Food Bank Coordinator and Scoutmaster of Troop 31B for five years, Ed recently received the well-deserved BSA District Award of Merit. Around the campfire, he was appreciated for breaking into upbeat songs with a smile. Treasuring compassion, frugality, and humility, he was always finding ways to “Do a Good Turn Daily” with a devotion to community rarely seen. An endless reserve of cheerful service, Ed was also a volunteer coach for the Special Olympics and an annual participant in the Beaver Stadium run with the light of his life, his son, Zachary.
Ed was happiest while hiking and camping with his family, who thank him for empowering them to live their dreams and create the lives they have chosen for themselves.
Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Brezovec and Anna (Danovich) Brezovec, and is survived by his loving wife, Bernadette Brezovec, and children, Luke Brezovec, PhD, Stanford, CA and partner Brianna Jones, Annie Brezovec, DO and husband, Steven Calder, DO of Fayetteville, NC, John Brezovec and wife, Laura Kerns, of State College, and Zachary Brezovec, of State College. Edward is also survived by siblings, David Brezovec (Gail Greene) of Ocean Ridge, FL, Karen Szpet (Steve) of Houston, TX, Mark Brezovec (Betty), of Durham, NC, Paul Brezovec of Johnstown, PA, Carl Brezovec (Michele) of Peterborough, NH, and Rita Hull (Thomas) of Johnstown, PA; his aunt, Maggie Ostheim and numerous nieces and nephews.
Private funeral services will be held at Mt. St. Macrina Cemetery in Uniontown. Arrangements were entrusted to the Haky/Georgiana Centre County Funeral Home. An online guestbook may be signed and condolences left for the family at www.hakygeorgianafh.com .