Edward A. Szerencsits

Edward A. Szerencsits, 87, lovingly known as Pops or Poppa, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2025, in Wayne, New Jersey. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Ed lived a life defined by faith, service, sports and quiet dedication to those he loved.

Born on August 21, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, Ed was the son of the late Joseph and Agnes (née Ifkovits) Szerencsits. He grew up in a close-knit family alongside his brother, John, who predeceased him. From an early age, baseball was his passion. A talented pitcher, he had a distinguished career at Pope Pius XII High School in Passaic, where he went undefeated and led his team to the North Jersey Sectional Championship.

Ed continued his education at Seton Hall University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree while excelling on the baseball field. As a standout pitcher, he helped lead the Pirates to the Metropolitan Championship title in 1959, “Hazard Zet Forward”. His talent caught the attention of professional scouts, and he was signed by the Milwaukee Braves, thanks to legendary scout Honey Russell. This opportunity allowed him to play alongside some of baseball’s greats, including Hank Aaron, Phil Niekro, and Joe Torre. In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Ed was honored by the U.S. House of Representatives in 1997, alongside three other New Jersey natives, for his outstanding impact on the Passaic Semi-Pro Baseball League, where he played for the Demuro Comets, Granatell Indians, and Clifton Dodgers.

Following his baseball career, Ed dedicated over 30 years to public service with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Industry in Trenton. After retiring from state service, he continued to serve his community as a part-time funeral attendant at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home in Clifton—a role that reflected his kindness, compassion, and deep respect for others.

A man of unwavering faith, Ed was a longtime parishioner of St. Philip the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Clifton. He served as an usher and played a vital role in parish life as a founding member of the St. Philip the Apostle Knights of Columbus Council, where he served as Treasurer for many years.

Beyond his professional and community service, Ed cherished time spent with family and friends. He was an active member of the St. Philip Bowling League and found joy on the golf course, where one of his proudest moments was achieving a hole-in-one.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife, Johanna (née Mitro) Szerencsits; his daughter, Suzanne Forysiak, and her husband, Mark, along with their daughters, Mia and Lena; his son, John P. Szerencsits, and his wife, Donna, and their daughter, Olivia. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who will always remember him with love and admiration.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 1313 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton, NJ 07013.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Philip the Apostle RC Church, 797 Valley Road, Clifton, NJ 07013, followed by committal at Calvary Cemetery, McLean Boulevard, Paterson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

• Wills Eye Hospital Foundation (www.willseye.org/giving.give-now/), 840 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

• American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org), P.O. Box 4607, Hagerstown, MD 21741

May Ed’s memory bring comfort to all who knew him, and may his legacy live on in the many lives he touched.

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