Edward Francis Katroscik

Obituary

Edward Francis Katroscik, 74, passed away on July 23, 2025. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. Ed grew up in Allen Park, Michigan and graduated from Holy Redeemer High School in Detroit, where he met the love of his life, his “cute little red-headed girl,” Patrice Gavin Katroscik. They married at the tender age of 19 and raised two sons, Ted of Durham, North Carolina and Kevin of Temple Terrace, Florida. Ed admired their work ethic and was especially proud of the men they have become.

Having earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Wayne State University, Ed’s career included IT positions at Lil’ General Stores in Tampa, then Fast Fare and Global Software in North Carolina. A return to the Tampa Bay Area saw him helping to save the world from the Y2K virus while working at Citibank. Ed finally retired from a position at the State of Florida. Overall, his roles included computer programmer, systems analyst, support technician, tax auditor, and vice president. And that’s not to mention the years he put in as a youth working at his father’s restaurant.

An active volunteer, Ed served as a member of the Supervisory Committee of the Tampa Bay Federal Credit Union, a vocalist with the Tampa Dixie Cats, and a supernumerary performer with the Tampa Opera. Yes. Ed got into fancy costumes and stood at the back of the stage holding a spear. And he loved doing it!

He was fond of his “collector” cars: a BMW Z3 and his driven-until-dead Mercedes Benz. When that Benz hit 300,000 miles, he pulled onto the shoulder of the road just to get a picture of the odometer. Ed was a funny man, turning every gathering into a laugh-fest. He openly welcomed everyone into his home, making sure that all felt included and valued. He was truly a good man.

Along with his wife and sons, remaining to cherish and honor Ed’s memory are his sister Margaret Olesnavage (John), brother Michael, sister-in-law Maureen (nee Gavin) Kindred, brother-in-law Kevin Gavin (Sylvia), and many delightful and treasured nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Benjamin and Adele (nee Snippes) Katroscik, brother Richard (Anita), sister Dorothy Grifka, and brother Thomas (Carol).

A celebration of Ed’s life will be held on Thursday September 11, 2025. Visitation at 9:00am followed by Mass at 10:00am at Nativity Catholic Church, 705 E. Brandon Blvd, Brandon FL 33511. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Ed’s honor to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 9715 N 56^th St Temple Terrace, FL 33617

He will be deeply missed, but his influence endures in the care of family, and the enduring bonds he helped create. Rest well, Mr. Ed, and thank you for everything.