Mr. Edward J. Ptak

Edward J Ptak passed away peacefully at the Berkshire Medical Center after a short illness. Born in W. Rutland, VT June 23, 1927, he was the son of Joseph and Catherine (Huda) Ptak. He attended local schools in Vermont before moving to Connecticut in 1941. He enlisted in the US Navy and served until discharged at the end of World War II. He then attended Goodwin Technical School where he received training to obtain his master electricians license. He ran an electrical construction business until being inducted into the US Army in 1950. He was honorably discharged after serving and then attended the University of Connecticut where he received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1959. He worked for General Electric for over 30 years as a field engineer and program engineer. His work involved torpedo systems, Gemini space fuel cells and the Fleet Ballistic Missile program. He married the former Emily “Bunni” Olsen in 1961. He leaves three daughters, Corinne Hagan and her husband Ron, Pamela Hanna and her husband Scott, and Jennifer Brennan and her husband, Tom, a brother, Florian and five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Edward was very active in community activities including Civitan where he served in various officer roles, as Berkshire historian for the Institute of Electrical Engineers society, as President and Secretary for the Navy League, as distributor of food for Berkshire Bounty, and as member and officer of five stamp clubs. He was a communicant of the Pilgrim Memorial Church and a member of the Polish Legion of American Veterans. Ed enjoyed many hobbies including stamp collecting, bowling, gardening, needlework, home and car repair and dancing as a member of Votrie Soire group. He and his wife also traveling extensively having visited Norway, China and Russia. Funeral Notice: Calling hours for Edward and his late wife, Emily, who passed away just about 2 weeks after he, will be held Saturday, October 22, 2022, from 12 noon to 2pm at the Dwyer-Wellington Funeral Home, 220 East Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201. A future memorial service is being planned. Donations may be made in Ed’s name to St. Jude’s Research Hospitals or to the Disabled American Veterans in care of the Dwyer-Wellington Funeral Home.