Edward J. Sklaris , 88, Frackville, passed away peacefully Wednesday night at his home, with his wife at his side.

Born April 14, 1928, in Girardville, he was a son of the late Walter and Stella ( Laurinavage ) Sklaris.

He was a 1947graduate of the former J.W. Cooper High School, Shenandoah, where he served as class president. Edward served proudly in the Air Force from 1950-1954 as an air craft mechanic attaining the rank of staff sergeant during the Korean War.

He was a member of St. Joseph's Parish and a life member of Annunciation B.V.M. Catholic Church, Frackville, where he had served on numerous committees through the years, life member of American Federation of Musicians, a 60 year member of American Legion Post # 74, Mahanoy City, life member of Frackville Elks Lodge #1533, member of Frackville Area Senior Citizens and former member of Knights of Columbus, Frackville.

After returning from serving his country he worked with his father-in-law , Victor Palulis, as an apprentice learning heating and plumbing. After 12 years he became the owner of the business and ran it until his retirement in 1995.

Ed loved life and loved music having played the accordion for many years but his main love was dancing and traveling with his wife Mary.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother Walter Sklaris Jr., he was the last member of his immediate family.

He is survived by his wife , of 63 years, Mary R. ( Palulis ) and by several nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday in Annunciation Church, Frackville, with Rev. Robert Finlan as the celebrant. Interment, with full military honors, will be in the parish cemetery, Englewood, Frackville. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until time of mass.