Edward R. Tressler, 90, of Bellefonte, passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at Mount Nittany Medical Center, surrounded by his family.
Born on October 14, 1935, in State College, he was the son of the late Lynn H. and Martha Knepp Tressler.
On November 29, 1957, he married his wife, Beverly L. Tressler, who survives at home in Bellefonte.
After graduating from State College Area High School in 1953, Ed began his construction career with Kofman’s Construction Company in Bellefonte.
Ed served in the 112th Pennsylvania Air National Guard out of State College for eight years and was stationed in Büchel, Germany from 1961 to 1962, where he supervised 20 airmen in generator operations and maintenance. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-5) at the end of the Berlin Crisis.
Following his return home, Ed worked at S.H.S. Contractors in Pleasant Gap as an Equipment Operator. He also served as a volunteer firefighter with the Alpha Fire Company in State College.
From 1969 to 1993, Ed made a lasting impact as an Equipment Operation and Maintenance Instructor at the Centre County Vocational-Technical School (now Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology). He developed and led the first heavy equipment operation programs for secondary students in Pennsylvania, providing both classroom instruction and hands-on field training. Through his work, he prepared countless students for careers in the construction industry. Following his retirement, he loved running into, and catching up with, former students who he had taught throughout his impactful teaching career.
During the summer months when he was off from teaching, Ed worked with numerous construction companies throughout the years including, H.R. Imbt Construction Company, Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc., and various others.
After his retirement, Ed worked with the Pennsylvania Conservation Corps as a crewleader, where he supervised, trained, and led crewmembers on notable conservation projects including work at the Boalsburg Military Museum and historic Curtin Village in Howard.
Later in life, Ed also volunteered with the Department of Veterans Affairs – Volunteer Transportation Program, providing rides to veterans in need of access to services in the area.
Throughout his life, Ed found great joy in fishing, hunting, and camping with his family. He enjoyed working in his garage, taking care of the farm, watching Penn State football, and spending time with those he loved.
Each year, he looked forward to attending Grange Fair, where he camped with his wife and family. Ed especially enjoyed working on the crew that parked the RVs in the week leading up to the fair, reconnecting with familiar faces every year.
Throughout the years, he and his wife also enjoyed square dancing with Centre Squares and more recently, spending winters at their home in Florida, where he loved watching for alligators in the pond behind their home.
For many years he was a dedicated 32nd Degree Mason, a Shriner, and a member of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon.
He was a member of Greater Buffalo Run Valley United Methodist Church.
Ed will be remembered for his deep love for his family, his strong work ethic, and the many lives he touched through his teaching, service, and kindness.
In addition to his wife Beverly, he is survived by his son, E. Lynn Tressler (Traci); his grandchildren, Molly Eng (Anders) and Emily Tressler; and his great-grandchildren, Thea and Logan.
He is also survived by his daughter, Etta “Jaye” Ruffin, and her children Teree and Tom and their families.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Philip Tressler, his sister, Carolyn Yarnell (Harry), and his daughter-in-law, Judy P. Tressler.
A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com