In Memoriam: Edward Budnick
We’re saddened to pass along the news that one of SABR’s earliest members, Edward Budnick, 82, of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, passed away on January 11, 2014. Ed joined SABR on September 30, 1971, just over a month after the Society’s founding, as member No. 51.
Born September 21, 1931, in Detroit, to Edward and Helen Budnick, Ed’s love of baseball was fostered from an early age. Detroit Tigers players who lived in his neighborhood during the baseball season would often give him baseballs and autographs, beginning a lifelong passion for collecting.
He attended all of the Tigers’ home games during the 1945 World Series, despite the fact that they were played during school days. Going to a World Series game was more important in his eyes than attending school. His dream growing up was to play baseball in the Major Leagues, specifically for the Detroit Tigers. He was once given the opportunity to try out for the Philadelphia Phillies as a shortstop, but didn’t make it.
On October 24, 1953, he married the love of his life, Dolores Cheslak. He began his appliance repair career with the J.L. Hudson Co, and was with Hudson’s for 10 years. In 1967, he began his own stove repair business, E & B Range Service, which he and his beloved wife, Dolores, and operated E & B until retiring in 1995.
After retirement, they enjoyed traveling. First trip was to Alaska. In their travels, Ed made it to 48 different states; only South Dakota and New Mexico remained. In his quest to see as many baseball stadiums as possible, he would think nothing of driving miles and/or hours out of his way while on vacation just to see a stadium. There were also numerous trips to acquire specific autographs of former players. Dolores and his kids thought nothing of this; it was just part of their life.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Dolores; his son, Eddie; daughter, Doreen Orlando; and his two grandchildren, Michael Orlando and Bridget Orlando. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Catherine (Leo) Cheslak; his niece, Melissa (Steve) Smith; and he was a Great-Uncle to Leo and Sofia Smith.
Visitation will take place Friday, January 17, 2014, from 3 to 9 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM at Kaul Funeral Home, 28433 Jefferson, St. Clair Shores, Michigan.
A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, January 18, 2014 at 12:30 PM with instate at 12:00 PM at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church, 21100 Madison in St. Clair Shores. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township. Donations may be made on Ed’s behalf to The Capuchin Soup Kitchen.
Originally published: January 17, 2014. Last Updated: January 17, 2014.