Edward C. Muggar

Ed Muggar, Operations Manager of 411 7th Avenue, Duquesne Light’s corporate headquarters, passed away on Saturday, January 28 unexpectedly at the age of 71. Ed was born into humble roots in Sturgeon, PA on July 5, 1951. From an early age, his father taught him how to be self-sufficient, a trait that he carried with him his entire life. Ed learned skills in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and how to fix cars. Over the course of his life, Ed learned to fix just about anything, and even when he couldn’t, he enjoyed the challenge of trying. Ed attended South Fayette High School, where he was a good student, but was most remembered as the drummer in its marching band – The Little Green Machine – and for being one of its cruisers – driving around in his white 1964 Chevrolet Impala Convertible, that he traded in for his cherished light blue 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle . During high school, Ed had also become the drummer in a band – The Aquarian’s. And, in April 1971, when Ed and his band were performing at West Allegheny High School’s Dance, he met the love of his life – Janet (“Jan”) Kessler. It was love at sight for both of them, but Jan was the daughter of a conservative World War II military hero from the 82nd Airborne Division, and refused to give Ed her number – or to tell him exactly where she lived. Instead, Ed spent the next two weeks asking around, until he finally tracked her down and asked her out on a date.  Ed and Jan’s romance lasted from the first moment that they laid eyes on each other, until the very last moment of his life. They were married just over a year later in October 1972, and remained so for over fifty years at the time of his passing. Ed would pick Jan up in his 1968 Chevelle, and they would drive everywhere together, something that inspired him to retain  and later single handedly restored the car to pristine condition to which he maintained and enjoyed for the entirety of his life.  Ed and Jan did and loved to do everything together. Jan joined The Aquarian’s in the early 1970s, singing back-up, playing the tambourines and dancing to Ed’s beat. Jan never stopped dancing to Ed’s beat, even when the band broke up and Ed had to get a “real job.” Although his love for music never waned and he was known to frequently dance with his wife in their kitchen, Ed “got on with life” – and learned to be a tradesman, first as a plumber. He worked for J.J. Bruni for several years as a journeyman plumber. In 1978, Ed and Jan had their only child, Paula, whom they did everything with and for. Despite having to work long hours, Ed was a hands-on father, the best kind for a little girl. He was always present. Ed not only served as Paula’s guardian throughout her lifetime, he also taught her the same skills of self-reliance that he had been trained. Ed and Paula had a shared love of cars and music and he inspired her too to become a member in South Fayette’s marching band. Career wise, Ed was poached away to the Koppers Building to work in-house where he remained until the late eighties. Ed then became the property manager for the Citiline Towers on Duquesne University’s campus, and in 1991 became employed at 411 7thAvenue, where he worked for Oxford Development until the time of his passing. Throughout his lifetime, Ed made time to take Jan and Paula boating on the weekends, where they discovered and saved Buddy the cat. Ed loved animals, owning dogs and cats in his lifetime (and feeding strays) – including Abby, Ralphie and Buddy. Ed loved music – especially 1950s, big band and country music.  He loved taking his 1968 Chevelle for random drives with those he loved, and in visiting car museums and parades.  He loved the challenge of fixing anything broken, which led him to fix anything he found that was broken. In 2001, Ed’s daughter met Jason Archinaco, her future husband. And, with Ed’s blessing, Jason married Paula – to whom she has been married for sixteen years. For 22 years, Ed treated Jason like the son he never had, and they established a close relationship. Ed is known for being jolly and happy, and walking with a distinctive, slight trademarked tilt. He had big hands, the kind that give the best, firm handshakes – and, above all else, his 6 foot+ frame, enveloped those whom he hugged – something his family knew him for – especially that last “lift and tug” he would give at the end – another of his trademarks. Ed had a big presence, but was a quiet and kind man.  Ed is best known for being a devoted husband and father. Ed was known for his honesty, integrity and hard work. Ed’s word was not “like oak”, it was oak. His passing came as a surprise to everyone that knew him, as he had been working hard to maintain his youth – still getting up at 5 a.m. and pouring in 12-hour days at work instead of retiring. Ed is survived by his wife of fifty years and six months, Jan, his daughter Paula,  her husband Jason and his four grandkitties, Tyson, Lola, Dempsey and Penny.  They will spend the rest of their lives telling stories about his kindness, compassion and love for life as well as passing along the lessons he taught them all. Ed is also survived by his sister Janet Oelschlager and her husband Ken, as well as many nieces and nephews, all of whom he cherished.

Family and friends are welcome on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Pittsburgh Cremation & Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Rd., McMurray, PA 15317, 724-260-5546.  A celebration of life through prayer and music will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 10 am at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Animal Friends of Barbour County, PO Box 452, Philippi, WV 26416, 304-823-2012.