Edward Karnafel

PHOENIX Edward Frank Karnafel (“Edziu”) died on December 6, 2018 in Glendale, AZ surrounded by his loving family. The world lost a fun loving man who wore crazy socks and told jokes at Bible Study to lift spirits of all. Ed shared with his wife of 26 years, Mary Ann Ronan, what he wanted to say. Ed was born August 1, 1928 in Chicago, IL to Katarzyna Waliczek Karnafel and George Karnafel, immigrants of Poland. He joined his sisters Emily de Grado (deceased) (Louis) and Lillian Skowron (AL). Ed grew up in “Back of the Yards,” as a child of the Depression. The stockyards were his playground filled with immigrants from around the world. Ed was a risk-taker, at 16, flying to New York to see the sights and take photographs. He began to work at an early age for Uraco, Inc., a printing form company, helping his family with his paychecks. He entered the Army in 1951, served in the 79th MP Criminal Investigation Detachment at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. He received many accolades for his investigator and photographer skills. Survived, in addition to Mary Ann, his children, Pamela Romanik (Dan), Melissa (Ron), David (Lupe) and Natividad Karnafel. Eight grandchildren; Matthew, Nicole, Amanda, Jennifer, Maria Jean, Gabriella, Dominque, and Theodore. Ed is deeply grateful for the prayers and support of his family and friends; especially Steven Schaffner, MD, Janet Starke and Doreen Cox. Ed’s Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas More Parish, 6180 W Utopia Rd., Glendale, AZ on Thursday, December 13, 2018 at 10 am. Burial will follow at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona at 1:30 pm. Donations may be given to St. Thomas More St. Vincent de Paul Society, 6180 W Utopia Rd., Glendale, AZ 85308 or Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014. Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.heritagefuneralchapels.com