Edwin James Zgoda

Edwin James Zgoda, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on March 2, 2026, at Holy Family Manor in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, surrounded by his loving family. Born on July 14, 1935, in Buffalo, New York, Jim was the son of the late Stanley and Anna (Bratek) Zgoda. He graduated from Bishop Ryan High School in Buffalo and began his career as a laboratory technician with the Fedders Corporation, testing equipment. After relocating his family to Clinton, New Jersey, he continued with Fedders in Edison, advancing to design engineer and earning a patent for his innovation in temperature monitoring. He later served as a product liability expert for Frigidaire in Edison.

A devoted member of Immaculate Conception Church in Annandale, New Jersey, Jim was a lifelong Knight of Columbus and volunteered with Meals on Wheels. He took great pleasure in cooking and creating cocktails, especially his celebrated gin martinis. Known for his remarkable ability to fix anything, from household items to rebuilding automobile engines, he was also a passionate Buffalo Bills fan. Jim loved musical theatre, performing in several shows and choirs throughout his life. He cherished the outdoors, enjoying hiking, horseback riding, and fly fishing near his New Jersey home, as well as traveling with his wife, Connie, through the Caribbean and Europe. One of his favorite traditions was the annual summer vacation spent with family in Ocean City, New Jersey.

Jim is survived by his son Mark Zgoda Sr. and wife Nancy Jo of Phillipsburg, New Jersey, daughter Sharon Zgoda of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, daughter Diane Holt and husband Gary of Annapolis, Maryland, and daughter-in-law Susan Zgoda of Wake Forest, North Carolina. He is also survived by his grandchildren Brittany Paivanas and husband Nicholas, Matthew Holt and wife Heather, Mary Birkbeck and husband Christopher, Molly Zgoda, Teresa Zgoda, Annie Gillespie, Justin Zgoda and wife Janice, Ellie Marron and husband Robert, and Mark Zgoda Jr., as well as great-grandchildren Alexander and Samuel Paivanas, Tillie Holt, and Harper Birkbeck. He leaves behind several loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jim was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Concetta, his son James Zgoda, and his siblings Hedwig, Jerome, Raymond, Larry, Loretta, and Joseph.