Edward J. Tatko

Edward Joseph Tatko

It’s with great sadness that we announce the loss of Edward Joseph Tatko, age 78, of Canonsburg, formerly of Whitehall and Brentwood, born and raised in Carrick’s Overbrook neighborhood. Ed earned his angel wings on Monday, August 31, 2026, after a hard-fought battle with cardio-renal syndrome.

The following popular quote perfectly sums up Ed’s attitude toward life and living:

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow! What a Ride!’” This was Ed. Ed fought when his body could fight no more. His family referred to him as their “Phoenix” – rising from the ashes, time and time again after being told this was it. His brother-in-law Al called him Timex, “takes a licking and keeps on ticking,” which Ed found amusing.  Ed won his first battle with a rare stage 4 composite lymphoma more than 20 years ago. This was achieved under the care of Dr. Stanley Marks of Hillman Cancer Center, who saved his life. Ed didn’t miss a day of work while battling cancer. More recently, when he developed a different stage 4 lymphoma,  Ed was cautioned that the chemo would be too much for his already overtaxed organs. Ed told Dr. Reyes, “Give me the juice,” and to everyone’s shock, the half doses of chemo infusions worked. That afforded Ed and his family this last year and a half together, which they spent mostly at his grandsons’ sports and activities, and going to “work,” also known as the casino.  When Ed was placed in hospice care at the end of June, at his new place The Grand Residence at Upper St. Clair – Ed spent his days, as he always had, living life to the fullest – with a glass of top-shelf whiskey in one hand, a cigar in the other, while watching his grandson Benji play baseball game after baseball game all summer via his iPad.

Edward, known to his friends as “Ed,” “Eddie,” “Big Ed,” was a second-generation, prolific funeral director. As a young boy, he began working at his aunt’s funeral home, Cieslak Funeral Home in Brentwood on Brownsville Road. Aunt Mara Cieslak was like a mother to Ed, and he spent as much time with her as possible, learning the family business along the way.

After graduating from Carrick High School in 1966, Ed went on to attend Purdue University. In 1971, he graduated from PIMS – Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. In 1972, at the age of 24, Ed became an official partner with his Aunt Mara, and they changed the name to Cieslak & Tatko Funeral Home. It was a very proud moment for his family – Ukrainian and Slovak immigrants. In 1979, Ed became president and supervisor of the newly incorporated funeral home, and soon after ran the business on his own after his aunt’s failing health. Ed carried on Mara’s legacy of compassion, caring, and trust.

In 2008, Ed’s daughter, Laura, joined him in the family business. They fought; there were tears shed, but the gift of working together was invaluable. His daughter called him “The Mayor,” for he knew everyone everywhere, and in her teenage years and beyond, she learned that was true. Ed was beloved by the families he cared for, often referred to as a teddy bear. Ed had a tough exterior, but his compassion for others was endless. There were countless stories of Ed’s kindnesses and generosity. He embodied what it was to be a funeral director – he truly cared about people. Families would tell him that he knew their family history better than they knew it themselves. Knowing people, caring for them and their families after tragedy struck, Ed was quietly there guiding them. His legacy will live on in his daughter Laura.

At age 65, Ed was ready to retire, and sold the funeral home in 2014. After a lifetime of devotion to the funeral business, Ed very much enjoyed his retirement – golfing at South Hills Country Club, traveling with family and friends, and spending time with his beautiful wife, Donna, and daughter Laura and her family.

Ed was the husband of his beloved wife, Donna Jean (Munsick) Tatko for almost 46 years; loving and doting dad of Laura Marie (Tatko) Diamond-Smith, and caring father-in-law of Dr. Adam K. Smith; adoring Pap Pap of his “sweethearts” Andrew Edward Diamond, Benjamin Daniel “Benji” Diamond, Nolan Adam Smith, and stepgranddaughter Savannah Smith; dear brother-in-law of Albert E. Munsick, who was really more of a brother, and Rosemarie and Thomas Sopko, of Texas; cherished brother of Kathryn G. Tatko, and brother-in-law John “Jack” Richards, of Alexandria, VA; uncle of Jill, Ryan, Luke, Michelle, and the late Matthew. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Swienty and Xenia Grace (Romanoff) Tatko; in-laws “Mum and Dad” Mary Ann and Albert Munsick. He is also survived by a son, Michael Edward Tatko.

Friends and Family will be received on Friday, September 4, 2026 from 1:00 to 8:00 pm, at Pittsburgh Cremation & Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317

Memorial donations suggested to: Stanley M. Marks Blood Cancer Research Fund

https://www.stanmarksresearchfund.com/donate