Deacon Edward P Koval, Wenham, MA, peacefully passed into the loving arms of his Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, November 25 surrounded by his family. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Born in Mahanoy City in 1926, son of the late Stephen and Mary Hnasko Koval. He was predeceased by his wife, the former Stephanie Helen Medwick Koval, and siblings Stephen P Koval, George P Koval, Ann Nepywoda and Theresa Piccone.

He is survived by 4 children and spouses Mary Ellen Koval-Steeves and husband Dr Philip Steeves of Wenham, MA, Anne Marie Willard and husband Dennis of Syracuse, NY, Edward M Koval and wife Tamara of Cary, NC, and Stephanie Anne Booth and husband Newton of Clarion, PA. He had 8 grandchildren Ashley, Gabrielle, Edward, Nicholas, Melania, Alexandra, Natalia and Noelle. He is also survived by a sister-in-law Marie Koval of Mahanoy City.

He resided in Wenham, MA for the past 13 years with his daughter and son-in-law and is best remembered locally as a Deacon at St Canicus, Mahanoy City, and St Richard's, Barnesville. He was ordained a Deacon in the Roman Catholic Church in 1995, Diocese of Allentown.

He was a 1944 graduate of Mahanoy City High School, and attended St Joseph's College, Philadelphia, PA. He also received a BS from Kutztown University. His career began in the late 1940s as a chemical engineer in rocket fuel development and later years in environmental engineering and air pollution control. He also served as a Chaplain in the Pennsylvania State Department of Corrections.

Deacon Koval was a proud WWII veteran having served in the Pacific Theatre. He trained in underwater demolitions preparing for the invasion of Tokyo Bay when Truman ended WWII. He rode in the Wenham Memorial Day parade every year possible. Recently he and his son-on-law participated in the WWII Honor Flight experience in Washington, DC.

He traveled the world extensively with his daughter and son-in-law. Highlights included serving as Deacon in Warsaw and Krakow at St Faustina's Convent Church and his mother's ancestral church in Rudlow, Slovakia.

Deacon Koval was a compassionate, loving, gentle, and patient man who blessed all fortunate to have known him. He was a wonderful man.

Divine Liturgy will be celebrated Friday December 4 at 10:30AM at St Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church, Mahanoy City. Internment following in St Mary's Byzantine Catholic Cemetery in the family plot where a white dove will be released in his memory. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The National Shrine of Divine Mercy at www.thedivinemercy.org.