Edward Donald Mroczko, 69, passed unexpectedly on October 20. He is survived by wife Laura, sons Shawn (Hannah) Mroczko and Josh (Julie) Gobin, grandchildren Sophia Gobin and Landon Mroczko, siblings: Shirley Gorles, Richard, Donald (Vicky), John, and Peter Mroczko and several nephews and nieces.
Eddie was born and spent his youth in Lyons, New York. He participated in his local Catholic parish as an altar boy. He graduated from Lyons High School where he was active in wrestling and varsity football. He attended community college for a short time and worked a variety of jobs before finding his niche in carpentry. Eddie lived in Louisiana before moving to Tampa in 1982 joining his family who had relocated. In 1996 he and his wife and son moved to Colorado. After 5 years they returned to Tampa.
In 1985 Eddie married Laura who was the love of his life. For several years the two of them coached Little League baseball at Skyway Park. After their son Shawn was born Eddie was on the sidelines either coaching or cheering as Shawn played his various sports. Eddie was the ultimate proud father. He was delighted to welcome Hannah to the family when Shawn married. Eddie was more than elated when grandson Landon was born. Landon was the sparkle in Eddie’s eyes. The two of them held a special bond.
Eddie had a son Josh early in life and the two were united when Josh became an adult. Eddie was proud of the man Josh had become and was overjoyed to have granddaughter Sophia and daughter-in-law Julie.
Eddie was employed for 5 years with General Homes building new homes during the housing boom. He then worked independently doing all types of home repair and renovation – painting, cabinet installation, wood repair, deck construction, tiling, fencing, etc. After several years Eddie began a 10 year career working for Hyatt Hotels maintaining their properties on the Grand Hyatt site in Tampa and later the Hyatt Regency in Denver. Following the Hyatt Eddie partnered with another carpenter to again provide home repair and renovation services. After years of physical labor Eddie transitioned to part-time work at Lowes. He was an asset to customers needing advice on home repairs. Eddie retired from employment as his physical health interfered with his ability to function even on a part-time basis. Although frustrated by his limitations Eddie still tried to do what he could at home.
Eddie was a kind and compassionate man who would go out of his way to help someone. He was very sociable and would start a conversation with just about anyone. Eddie loved his family passionately and was an encouragement and support to his friends. He touched many lives through the years and will be missed tremendously. However, the memories of happy times with Eddie will forever live in our hearts.
A Celebration of Life will be held 1pm November 20 at Hope Church, 5107 W. Lutz Lake Fern Rd. Tampa. Memorial donations may be made to Pepin Academies Tampa Campus, 3916 E. Hillsborough Ave. Tampa, FL 33610.