Edward J. Trbuza

Edward J. Trbuza, 87, of Lower Saucon Township passed away peacefully on July 6, 2026, surrounded by his devoted family.  Ed was married to Mildred (Amico) for 63 years, and together they created a beautiful life.

Born and raised in Lower Saucon, Ed grew up one of five children in a modest household where, as a boy, he survived polio an experience that shaped his hardworking life. 

After graduating from Liberty High School, Ed  proudly started his military career in the US Marine Corps reserves as an anti-aircraft artilleryman,  then was asked to cross over to the US Navy for four years in electrical operations.  There he developed technical skills that bolstered his career. He served on the USS Forrestal (CV-59) from 1957 to 1961.  When his military service ended, he began working for Xerox in New York City and then in upstate New York, where a far more important chapter began. In Rochester he met a young Italian woman named Millie and they married on July 4, 1963,a Thursday because that was the only day the produce market where her father worked was closed. More than 800 people came to celebrate their wedding and eat Sicilian pizza, which was a perfect beginning to their marriage.

Ed spent his entire professional life with Xerox.  Early in his career, he found himself promoted to management although it was a role he never preferred. With his characteristic humility, Ed asked to return to Pennsylvania and “carry a tool bag” again. He opted for the hands-on work that matched the problem-solver and fixer that he was at heart.   Only later did his children fully understand the courage it took to make that career decision.

Ed and Millie raised their children, Teri and Eddie, with love and tradition. He was the proud provider, and she was the attentive homemaker. He enjoyed a daily Canadian whiskey, a good cigar, and the comfort of his routine. They were devoted Catholics, strong in their faith and steady in their roles as parents. Their home was warm, welcoming, and full of pets, dogs, cats, guinea pigs, even ducks.

Like many fathers of his generation, Ed showed his love through consistent providing, fixing, and showing up with help whenever he was needed. Ed was the biggest fan of his daughter Teri, as she earned her doctorate, runs her own very successful business and serves as a community leader.  Ed never missed her TV programs and was in awe of her many awards. He was immensely proud of his son Eddie’s Navy service, especially knowing they shared a connection to the USS Forrestal since Eddie served on the same ship 30 years after his dad.

And when they became grandparents, Ed and Mildred truly lit up.  Grandpa Ed helped with the twins, Ellen and Audrey, when they were babies, and introduced his eldest grandson to the joy of fishing, a passion that lives on in Nick today. He delighted in his grandchildren from picnics on the patio, to New Year’s Eve celebrations, to antics on mischief night.   Ed never missed a t-ball or volleyball game, a musical performance, or a graduation.   He listened proudly to Kyle and Vanessa’s violin performances and bragged to others about his granddaughter Ellen who is a talented tattoo artist. Millie and Ed celebrated each of their grandchildren with deep love.

In his later years, Ed found companionship in simple pleasures like a good cigar with his nephew Kevin, laughs with neighbors Dan and Gary, and offering one‑liners that made nurses and visitors smile, even in his last days. His wit was quick and perfectly timed, the kind of humor that made people feel instantly at ease.  Ed expressed deep gratitude for the family he and Milly built together and recently said “I couldn’t have had a better life.”    

Ed is dearly remembered by his wife, Mildred; daughter Teri Haddad (Demetrios Herron); son Edward Trbuza (Melissa);  grandchildren Audrey, Ellen, and Nick Haddad and Kyle and Vanessa Trbuza.  He also is survived by a brother Stephen, extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.  

Ed leaves behind a legacy of constant love and quiet devotion.  His family takes great comfort in knowing that he lived exactly the life he wanted, surrounded by their warmth.

Services will be held  on Thursday July 9, 2026 at Herron Funeral Home 458 Center Street Bethlehem, PA  18018, visitation from 10AM to 11AM followed by a Service at 11AM.  Entombment in Bethlehem Memorial Park Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Luke’s Hospice, c/o the Developement Office for Hospice, 801 Ostrum Street Bethlehem, PA 18015.  www.HerronFuneralHomeCares.com