Obituary of Edward Drada

Edward A. Drada, 89, of Niles, passed away on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, following an illness. He was born on May 30, 1927 to the late Edward and Frances (Cegilski) Drada in South Bend, Indiana. Ed graduated from high school and joined the United States Navy and was a proud veteran of World War II. On August 30, 1947 Ed married Frances Alice Killelea at a ceremony in South Bend. Ed was a chef by trade, he could have been found at Eddies on Ironwood or Granger Tap and Grill for most of his career. He loved cooking but not as much as he loved traveling with Alice, including all 50 states and several vacations abroad. Ed also enjoyed his time hunting and fishing. A man of great faith, he was a founding member of St. Mark Catholic Church in Niles, where he served as a Eucharist Minister and a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, and three sisters; Gertrude Larson, Ruth Barsodi and Pat Dickens. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Alice Drada of South Bend, a sister Mary Ann (Hobert) Syson of El Paso, Texas, special nephew Patrick (Yolanda) Syson of San Antonio, Texas, special niece, Melissa (Rudy) Navarro, of El Paso, Texas, as well as numerous friends whom he considered family. A time of visitation will be held on Monday, September 5, 2016 at Brown Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary service at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at St. Mark Catholic Church with Father Thomas King, C.S.C and Brother Dennis Meyers, C.S.C. officiating. Interment and military honors will follow at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark Catholic Church, 3 N. 19th Street, Niles, Michigan 49120.