The Rev. Mr. Edward Andrew Konarski Sr.
The Reverend Mr. Edward Andrew Konarski Sr. (91), beloved spouse of Dorothy (Malahowski) Konarski, departed this world on April 17, 2018. Edward was born November 24, 1926 to Charles Konarski and Julia (Strish) Konarski of Larksville, PA. The fourth of five children Edward was preceded in death by his sisters: Mary Obaza and Barbara Krasczewski and his brother, Charles Konarski. He is survived by his youngest sister Claire Rose of Hampton, VA.
A proud Veteran, Edward served in the Army during World War II in the Asiatic Pacific Theater, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. Upon completion of his service, Edward attended King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, PA, on the GI bill, and was a member of their fearsome football team playing the position of Center. His prowess, skill, and determination on the field earned him the nickname “Captain Marvel.” He also played Baseball for King’s and was a member of the Altar Society.
The Class of 1950 has the distinction of being the first full four year graduating class of King’s. He remained a supporter of the College throughout his life.
On December 2, 1950 Edward was united in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony to his beloved Dorothy, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in East Plymouth, PA. Following their marriage the couple moved to the Philadelphia area and immediately started their family. Ever the scholar, Edward continued his formal education and received his Masters degree in Education from Villanova University in 1956. Edward and Dorothy eventually settled in the borough of North Wales, PA to raise their four children, building their home on Highland Ave.
They joined, what was then, the small parish of St. Rose of Lima and were an integral part of its growth. Edward and Dorothy knew that as busy as the external world becomes, they needed to maintain focus on their faith which, they instilled in their children. They prayed together and possessed a strong devotion to Our Blessed Mother and could often be found praying the Rosary. Devout Catholics, Edward and Dorothy attended daily Mass and participated in activities of both the Parish and School, which all of their children attended.
Edward served in many capacities over the years including Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Usher, and Sacristan. He also served on many Parish committees. He was employed at Merck and Co. (formerly Merck, Sharp and Dohme) for nearly 40 years in various capacities, starting in the lab and ending as Director of Purchasing.
Always an athlete, Edward became an avid runner and completed the Boston Marathon. He also volunteered as a little league baseball coach and refereed High School and College football. He completed his athletic career by acting as clock operator for college football. Upon his retirement from Merck, Edward continued his studies to become a Deacon in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
He was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate in May, 1993 and was assigned to his home Parish of St. Rose of Lima, North Wales, PA, faithfully ministering to the Parishioners up until his death.
Edward is survived by his children: Edward Konarski Jr. and his wife Cindy of Morganton, NC, Marylynn Puhak and her husband George Puhak III of Conyngham, PA, Karen Konarski of Lansdale, PA and Anne Bennett of Annapolis, MD.
Edward is also survived by his six grandchildren: Beth Konarski Lloyd of Belmont, NC, Julie Konarski of Charlotte, NC, George Puhak IV of Hazleton, PA, Michael Puhak of Conyngham, PA, Matthew Puhak, Philadelphia, PA, and Joanna Bennett of Aurora, CO and three greatgrandchildren: Lucy Bennett of Annapolis, MD, Stella Sanchez of Aurora, CO, and Jack Edward Sanchez of Aurora, CO. And many beloved nephews and nieces.
Transferal of Deacon Konarski, 4 PM Sunday at St. Rose of Lima Church, 424 S. Main Street, North Wales, PA 19454. Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing until 6 PM. Additional Viewing Monday from 9:30 to 10:45 AM. Funeral Mass Monday 11 AM will be celebrated by The Most Reverand Timothy C. Senior.
Private Burial will be at the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa.
Letters of condolences may be addressed to: Dorothy Konarski, 2425 Lower State Rd., Doylestown, PA 18901.