Edward M. Gunesch 1944-2026

Ed was born Feb. 22, 1944, in Sharon, Pa., to Martin and Jeannette Fowler Gunesch.

A graduate of Sharpsville High School in 1962, Ed was on the reunion committee for over 30 years. He studied commercial baking at Stevens Trade (now known as Stevens College of Technology), graduating in 1965. Ed was instrumental in organizing the Class of ’65 Annual Reunion held at the Brown Jug in Tower City, Pa. The Stevens Alumni Association presented him with the Hall of Fame Award in 2005 and the Alumni Service Award in 2009.

Ed’s lifelong love of dancing came in handy when he first met Renee Messersmith on the dance floor in 1990, and from there it was 36 years of love, laughter and dancing. The couple married on June 12, 1999. Over their many years together, Ed and Renee traveled to New York City and Las Vegas and also took many trips to Lancaster, Pa., for trade school reunions and to stay in touch with friends, family and classmates.

Ed was a kind, gentle, supporting soul. If you needed help, Ed was there, and he seemed to know everyone. Ed stepped up and was a wonderful, loving stepfather to Renee’s children, Dave and Michelle.

Ed was a member of Central Christian Church in Hermitage, Pa., where he served as a deacon and part of the diaconate. He loved to sing with the “Praise Team” opening Sunday morning services.

Ed was a baker until retiring in 2006, working in supermarket bakeries and local bakeries. He was a proud member of Bakers’ Union Local 19 for over 50 years.

Upon retiring, he worked at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Sharon, Pa., as a sexton and then as a delivery driver for Hovis Auto Parts. Slowing down and taking it easy was not in his nature.

Many friends, longtime and new, will remember Ed as a member of The New Deal Club of Farrell, Pa., The Apollo Maennerchore Club, the Sharon American Legion Post 299 and the Shenango Valley VFW Post 1338.

Left to cherish Ed’s memory are his wife, Renee; stepson, Dave Messersmith (Michael); stepdaughter, Michelle (Mark) Clapper; sister, Carol (Jim) Meyer; and nephews, Don Elliot and David Elliott.

He was preceded in death by his parents; nephews, Dale and Dan Elliott; and niece, Debbie Brule.

Visitation will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at Central Christian Church, 218 Meadowbrook Road, Hermitage, PA 16148, where a memorial service will follow at 1 p.m. Following the service, family and friends are welcome to attend the celebration of life at Sharon American Legion Post 299.

Donations in Ed’s memory may be made to Central Christian Church.

Messages of sympathy, stories and photos can be shared on Edward’s memorial page at www.flynnfuneralhome.com.

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