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Chervenak, Edward September 14, 1952 - August 12, 2024

Date of Funeral

August 18, 2024

In Loving Memory of Edward Charles Chervenak:

Edward Chervenak, age 71, of Hackettstown, NJ passed away on August 12, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at Catholic Hospice of Holy Cross Hospital. Edward was born September 14, 1952 to the late Edward and Florence Chervenak.

Ed was a person of great character who was respected by all who knew him. One of Ed’s most admirable traits was his uncanny gift for making connections with everyone he met. Whether it was a friend or neighbor, or even the local convenience store clerk, Ed always enjoyed getting to know members of his community.

Ed’s interests and passions were diverse. He was an excellent golfer, a third-degree black belt in karate, a life-long weight lifter, and even a ballroom dancer. For years he coached his sons’ little league baseball team and was a diehard Steelers fan since 1970. Ed was an excellent mechanic, taking great pleasure in muscle car restoration projects. He was a true “do-it-yourselfer” and home handyman, doing major home renovations and other projects.

Although he wasn’t a life-long musician, Ed did have a short-lived drumming gig in high school with his hilariously named band, Crispy and his Creatures. Ed absolutely loved classic rock (his all-time favorite song was the 10-minute epic Green Grass and High Tides, by the Outlaws). On occasion, when the opportunity presented itself, Ed could wow an unsuspecting audience by getting behind a drum kit and playing an impressive beat, which was evidence of his natural musical talent.

In Ed’s professional life, he excelled as a senior quality control chemist at DSM Nutritional Products (formerly Hoffman- LaRoche) in Belvedere, NJ, a pharmaceutical company he was dedicated to for 42 years. At DSM Ed was well loved. Outside of his official responsibilities Ed often spent his lunch breaks volunteering as a personal trainer at the company fitness center, and for a number of years, shared his love of martial arts with his colleagues by running an after-work karate club.

Above all, Ed was devoted to his family. He is survived by his sister, Carol Mahaffey along with his high school sweetheart and wife of 48 years, Maria (Malaska) whose enduring love was always at the center of his life. Together, they raised three children: his daughter Katie (Wayne Danielczyk), and his two sons, Eddie (Kristine) and Tommy (Lindsay). Ed was also the proud grandfather of three beautiful grandchildren, Courtney, Hazel, and Vivian and nieces and nephews, Liz, Megan, John, Bobby, Maggie, Danny, Tessa and fur babies Cricket and Lucy, all who brought him immense joy.

Ed also loved his extended family: Bob and Michaeleen Graham, John and Jackie Malaska and Tom and Kimberly Malaska.

Ed’s kind presence will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. A celebration of Ed’s life will be held at Fred Hunter’s Funeral Home in Fort Lauderdale on August 18 at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Ed’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate

Condolences(15)

  1. REPLY
    Mike Kowalick says

    We remember people for different reasons a great laugh, a unique perspective, a story shared.. but mostly we remember a life well lived and honor a person well loved. Hoping your memories bring you comfort in your time of loss, and that it lifts your heart to know others share your sadness.

  2. REPLY
    Bill Holden says

    So sorry to hear offering prayers for the family

  3. REPLY
    Greg Bailey says

    I’m so sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. I have many memories of Ed from our days at HHS. RIP Ed

  4. REPLY
    Theresa Lord-Stout says

    We are so very saddened to learn of Ed’s passing….We have wonderful memories of times spent with him and Maria, Michaeleen and Bob during their years in Hackettstown. Ed was a very nice man who will be sadly missed by many! We are sending our sympathies and condolences to his family!

  5. REPLY
    kenneth gallaher says

    Maria, sending our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
    Ken and JP

  6. REPLY
    Gary J. Kuipers, Sr. says

    Very sad indeed. I attended HHS with both Ed and Maria. Ed was fun to be around. Always a gentleman. My sincere sympathies to Maria and the family.

  7. REPLY
    Laurie Stettler says

    Chervanak family. So sorry for your loss. Ed was always so helpful in the lab or in the gym. Always willing to lend a hand or offer advice.
    Loss of a loved one is always hard, may your memories help you cope. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

  8. REPLY
    Liz Iacampo says

    Condolences and prayers for your comfort in this time of loss

  9. REPLY
    B and C Kehler says

    My memories of Ed go back to grade school and his proficiency in archery and his talent on that drum set. He was always a gentleman.
    Deepest sympathies to Maria and the entire family.
    RIP

  10. REPLY
    Rodica Holt says

    In shock and with deepest sorrw I found out that Ed passed away. Awesome human being and a dear friend and co-worker from DSM Belvidere.
    May he rest in peace

  11. REPLY
    Rosemarie Sinisi says

    My deepest condolences to the family.

  12. REPLY
    Eddie meeker says

    Condolences to Maria and extended family’s… God keeps a special place in heaven for each of us….

  13. REPLY
    john felix klimas says

    never called him ed always called chev .he was one of the good guys.

  14. REPLY
    Mike Miller says

    Maria, sorry to hear about Ed. Kelly and I had much fun with you guys at Plantation Lakes. May he Rest in Peace — God Bless.

  15. REPLY
    Alexis Blake says

    I’m so sorry to hear of Mr. Chervenak’s passing. I will remember him fondly. My condolences to the whole family.

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