Edward A. Mika, Sr., 54, of Norristown, passed away Thursday in Norristown.

Born in Reading, Feb. 16, 1960, he was a son of Marlene Ambrose Mika, Orwigsburg, and the late Dr. John J. Mika, MD, who passed away in 1999.

Edward was a 1979 graduate of Shenandoah Valley High School. He was a four-year starting center for the Shenandoah Valley Blue Devils basketball team and was considered to be one of the leading rebounders in the history of the school. He was also a graduate of Dickinson College, Carlisle.

Currently, he was employed as a senior manager for the American Red Cross, Philadelphia. Previously, he worked for 18 years for the Devereux Foundation, Paoli.

Ed was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, Norristown.

He was a devoted husband and dad; he cherished his family. Ed had a great sense of humor enjoyed by all. He was an avid fisherman and a Penn State and a New York Giants fan.

Preceding him in death, in addition to his father, was a brother, Christopher A. Mika, in 1983.

Surviving, in addition to his mother, are his wife of 26 years, the former Claire Deeney; two sons, Edward A. Mika Jr. and Adam D. Mika, both at home; four brothers, John J. Mika III and his wife, Elaine, Tower City, Attorney Eric M. Mika and his wife, Tracey, Orwigsburg, Kurt A. Mika, Philadelphia, and Jason A. Mika, Orwigsburg; four sisters, Jayne Martino and her husband, Richard, Richmond, Ky., Jessica Mika, Linglestown, Ingrid Mika, Orwigsburg, and Marlene Cook and her husband, David, Port Carbon; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; countless friends and coworkers. He is also survived by his faithful collie, Eli.

A Mass of Christian will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, 319 Mahantongo St., Pottsville. Monsignor Edward J. O'Connor, pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Mahanoy City. Relatives and friends may call at from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Patrick Church.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, July 25th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Mont Clare Party Room, 216 Bridge Street, Mont Clare, PA (GPS directions: Use Phoenixville, PA). The room is located in the Volunteer Fire Hall and all are welcome.

Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah, is in charge of arrangements.