Edward "Ed" Kustron

Edward “Ed” Kustron, 88, of Mentor, passed away March 14, 2024 at Lake West Medical Center, Willoughby. He was born September 23, 1935 in Donora, PA to the late Frank and Blanche Kustron. Ed served his country proudly as an Air Force Veteran of the Korean War. He was a fan of all major sports in the area, including a specific fondness of his childhood-hometown Pittsburgh teams, the Steelers and Pirates. Over the years, through gentle prodding from his children and grandkids, he shifted allegiances to the Cleveland Browns, and he suffered with them for about 25 years in that futile pursuit of success. He appreciated machinery, automobiles, and at one point boasted an astonishing collection of die-cast model classic cars, which he loved to display and discuss. The consummate professional at work, Ed retired from Lubrizol where he worked for many years, and then he retired again from Cleveland-Heights High School, where he taught Industrial Arts. If that wasn’t enough, he retired once again from J.C. Penney at the Great Lakes Mall, where he happily worked a post-retirement career in the shoe department. Most important of all, Ed doted-upon patiently, and with love, patience, and care, the love of his life, Frances (Fran), with whom he enjoyed over 60 years of marital and family bliss. In Mentor, Ohio and through their church of many decades, St. John Vianney (where they loved to see Father Johns give mass, among others), Ed and Fran made roots that have passed on through generations. Ed is described by his grandson, Norm Jr., as “everyone’s rock and steady hand. He was able to pick you up at low moments”. As a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Ed created the foundation for his family, and he did everything with kindness and an open heart. As a family friend noted, “he had a heck of a run. He loved a good woman, worked hard to make this country great, and now is survived by his children and their families - it’s the American dream.” Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Frances Kustron (nee: Bandish); children, Ed Kustron and Barb (Norm) Hirter; grandchildren, Jason (Rachel) Kustron, Jared (Tiffany) Kustron, Jenalyn Kustron, Amy (fiancé, Aaron Pike) Hirter and Norm (Amanda) Hirter; great grandchildren, Aiden, Cameron, Chase, George, Franie, Oliver, Mason, Brendon, Aidan, Madalyn, Jameson, Noah and Brooklyn; nieces, nephews and many other loving family members. Preceding Ed in death are his grandson, Josh Ross and brother, Bernie Kustron. The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, Ohio 44060. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 21, 2024 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 7575 Bellflower Rd., Mentor, Ohio 44060. Please meet at the church. Interment to be held in All Souls Cemetery, Chardon, following the mass. In honor of Ed, memorial contributions may be made to St. John Vianney Catholic Church. Send flowers and offer condolences at www.brunners.com.

Edward "Ed" Kustron

September 23, 1935 - March 14, 2024