Edward J. Sikora
California
Edward J. Sikora passed away Friday, February 6, 2026, at the age of 102 surrounded by his children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. He was born September 14, 1923 in Washington, the son of Paul Sikora and Julia Babiarz Sikora.
He graduated from Trinity High School in 1942. Ed served in the United States Army in the Pacific Campaign of World War II from 1942-1946. He was a gunner on the 90 mm anti-aircraft gun and was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant.
Ed then graduated from California State Teachers College (now PennWest University at California) in January, 1949 with a teaching degree in Industrial Arts. He earned a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1951 and did doctoral work at West Virginia University.
He taught Industrial Arts at Canonsburg High School and Beaver Falls High School. While teaching at Beaver Falls, he met his beloved wife, Virginia McConnell. In the next step of his career, Ed was honored to be a professor of Industrial Arts and Graphic Technology at California State Teachers College / California University for 27 years. He was celebrated with the C.B. Wilson Distinguished Faculty Award and was a proud member of the Emeriti faculty.
Ed was a faithful and eldest member of California United Methodist Church, California. Ed lived a life rooted in service, gratitude, and love.
In retirement, he enjoyed traveling with Virginia, woodworking, gardening, tending to his orchard and being present and engaged with family and friends. He enjoyed watching sports, especially Steeler football. He was known for generously sharing the bounty of his garden and orchard produce with a selfless spirit and kind heart.
Ed’s positive outlook on life was felt and appreciated by all who knew him. Our dad will be forever honored, loved, and remembered by his family and friends.
Ed married Virginia McConnell June 9, 1951 and together they celebrated 67 years of married bliss before her passing in 2018.
They raised three children, Sandra (Timothy) Logan, Norma (Jeffrey) Conley, and Edward (Karen) Sikora. Ed was “Papa” to six grandchildren, Craig Conley, Rebekah Logan (James) Gillin, Amanda Sikora, Alexandra Sikora, Jason (Emily) Logan, and Nicholas Sikora. He was also blessed with 10 great-grandchildren, Katie Conley, Craig Jeffrey Conley, Owen Wood, Cara Conley, Eliana Wood, Simon Logan, Claire Logan (deceased), Lindsey Gillin, Cody Gillin and Olive Logan. Ed is survived by many nieces, nephews, great- nieces and great- nephews, whom he loved dearly.
Papa was proud of his Polish heritage with both of his parents immigrating to the United States to build a better life. He enjoyed maintaining their Polish traditions.
Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, wife and great- granddaughter, were his sister, Bernetta Ziemba; and three brothers, Frank Sikora, Theodore Sikora and Paul Sikora, who died in infancy.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staffs of Amedisys Hospice Masontown and Respicenter Waynesburg for their love, care and support of our patriarch.
There will be no visitation in honor of Edward’s wishes. A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, February 15, in the California United Methodist Church, 227 Third Street, California.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the California United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 426, California, PA 15419.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to MARISCOTTI FUNERAL HOME, INC., Anthony N. Mariscotti, supervisor, 323 Fourth Street, California, PA 15419.
To sign the guest register or leave condolences, please visit mariscottifuneralhome.com