Edward Kerlavage

Edward G. Kerlavage, 69, formerly of Frackville, passed away Saturday, June 3, 2023, at his home in Allentown.

Born Sept. 16, 1953, in Frackville, he was a son of the late Edward Sr. and Ruth (Withers) Kerlavage.

Edward graduated from Shenandoah Valley High School, where he was a standout wrestler and football player for the Blue Devils.

After graduation he went on to work for Reading Railroad, later known as Conrail and then Norfolk Southern Railroad, retiring as a conductor after 40 years and seven months.

Ed loved the railroad and when taking vacations always went to places that had old railroads and even took a train over the Rockies. He was a longtime member (45 years) of the Frackville Elks and an avid Phillies fan.

In addition to being a sports fan, Ed was a music fan. He enjoyed many, many concerts and traveled to many cities to see The Who, The Grateful Dead and Bruce Springsteen. Together, Ed and Joanne traveled numerous times to one of their favorite places, Key West, and also took a few big trips, most notably Alaska in 2006 and Italy in 2011.

Surviving are his wife, Joanne Sora, of Allentown – they were together 30 years; two sons, Kyle Kerlavage and his wife, Aimee, of Shenandoah, and Keith Kerlavage, of Shenandoah; sister, Jean Kane and her husband, Vince, of Palo Alto; grandchildren, Owen, Oliver and Lyla Kerlavage; and his canine buddy, Kolby.

Funeral service will be held at noon Friday, June 9, at Nice-Hart Funeral Home, 9 N. Lehigh Ave., Frackville. Friends may call from 10 a.m. to noon Friday at the funeral home. Memorial donations in Edward’s name can be made to Hillside SPCA, P.O. Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901, or a charity of your choice. Burial will be in St. Louis Cemetery, Butler Twp.