Edward Ronald Verkleeren – Belle Vernon

 
Edward Ronald Verkleeren, 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Belle Vernon on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021, surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of Cecil Irene Burgan Verkleeren for nearly 53 years; father of Ronald (Erica) Verkleeren of Horseheads, N.Y., Gary (Tami) Verkleeren of Greensburg and Jeff (Nicole) Verkleeren of Plum Boro; and grandfather of nine, Derek, Jarod, Alexa, Trevor, Sophia, Aaron, Emma, Aiden and Macey. He is also survived by his brother, John (Sally) Verkleeren of Poway, Calif.; brother-in-law John (Karen) Burgan of Sugarland, Texas; nephews, Dan (Candace) Douro of Allentown, John (Christy) Douro of Ortonville, Mich.; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Isidore Jr.; mother, Florence; and sister, Norma Jean; and a brother-in-law, Don Douro, all of Charleroi. Ed graduated from Charleroi High School and served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Japan. He was a graduate of California University of Pennsylvania and the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned a master’s degree. He was a teacher at McKeesport junior and senior high school and an entrepreneur photographer. He was a founding member of the Mon Valley Homing Pigeon Club and was the youngest member ever to win the club’s highest honor of average speed champion. He was an avid sports enthusiast and inspired both the academic and athletic pursuits of his brother, three sons and nine grandchildren. Ed was passionate about his family, the promotion of the sport of pigeon racing and science education. He was also an inspirational presence and a patriot, deeply committed to the ideals of freedom and liberty. A memorial service is being planned for family and friends on July 4 near his hometown of Charleroi. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may made to Forbes Hospital at www.ahn.org/supportahn. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to JAMES C. STUMP FUNERAL HOME INC., 580 Circle Drive, Rostraver Township, 724-929-7934, www.jamesstumpfuneralhome.com.