CHICOPEE - Edwin A. "Ed" Skowyra, 83, of the Fairview section of Chicopee was Called Safely Home on Friday, August 31, 2012. He was born at home in Chicopee on July 22, 1929, a beloved son of the late Zygmunt and Mary Bertha (Rzasa) Skowyra. He was raised in Chicopee, graduated from Cathedral High School in Springfield and was a lifelong resident of Chicopee, moving to the Fairview section of the city in 1955. He furthered his education and took courses at Holyoke Community College and the University of Massachusetts. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War and attained the rank of Corporal. He received the Combat Infantry Badge, the Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal with One Bronze Service Star. He was employed for many years as a polisher for Moore Drop Forge, Easco Hand Tools and Danaher Tool Company, all in Springfield. During his tenure with the companies, he earned the distinction of having polished over 125 million Craftsman Tools. Ed was an active supporter of the Providence Ministries in Holyoke for Kate's Kitchen, Broderick House, Loreto House and Margaret's Pantry and in 1994, was honored with an award. In 1998, he received the Louis N. Koslin Award for Exemplary Service for the Needy and in 2001 received the Agnes Broderick Award for his dedication and compassion to the Poor and Economically Disadvantaged. He also received an Official State Citation from Governor Paul Celucci for his volunteer work with the needy. He was a Licensed Real Estate Broker and served as a Notary Public. He was a member of the VFW Post 625 in Chicopee and the Chicopee Lodge of Elks 1849. Besides his parents and late brother, Dr. Frank Skowyra, DDS, he was predeceased by his beloved wife, Julianne "Judy" (Clark) Skowyra who was Called Home on October 3, 1998. He leaves his daughter, Nancy A. Skowyra of Montgomery, MA. His relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday morning, September 7, 2012 at 10 a.m. at Saint Anne Church, 30 College Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His burial will follow the Mass at Mater Dolorosa Cemetery, Pittroff Avenue, South Hadley, MA 01075. There are no visiting hours at the St. Pierre - Phaneuf Fairview Chapels, (413-533-3307), 506 Britton Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Providence Ministries for the Needy, Inc., PO Box 6269, Holyoke, MA 01041-6269.