Edward George Elkanich

South Portland- Edward George Elkanich, 81, died peacefully on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 atSpringbrook NursingCenterfollowing a long illness. Ed was born inDuquesne,PAon September 28, 1934, the son of the late George and Anna Nazat Elkanich. He attended local schools and graduated fromDuquesneHigh School. Through high school he worked atKennywoodParkas the Voice of Kennywood. On May 12, 1956 he married Joanne R. Yost, his high school sweetheart, and together they shared fifty nine years of marriage. Ed had a strong work ethic and at one point held three jobs so Joanne could stay home with their five children. He excelled at his primary job as a Credit Manager for Nelson and Small for many years and also worked briefly at Northeast Graphics. Ed was a longtime member of the formerSt. Johnthe Evangelist Catholic Church and a life member of the Knights of Columbus. His hobbies included square dancing with Joanne and close friends. He served as the club president of Round Squares. He enjoyed maintaining the camp the family owned, E J Cabins, where many memories were made. He also loved to tinker in his workshop and was always working on something in the yard. Ed was an avid Pittsburgh Sports Fan and stood firm with his dedication to his home town teams. He really enjoyed spending time with family and friends where he was always quick with a joke or giving someone a hard time, all in fun. He was a loyal family man, committed husband, father and grandfather. Ed was predeceased by his wife Joanne Elkanich in 2015 and a sister Margaret Emery. He is survived by his five children and their spouses, Kurt and Ann Elkanich of Gray, Janine Elkanich and her husbandLarry Niseof Biddeford, Eric and Melissa Elkanich of Gray, Jackie and Jeff Tory of South Portland, and Annie and George Sherry of Gorham; and eight grandchildren Craig and wife Becky Elkanich, Lexi Elkanich, Katie andMiranda Elkanich, Caden and Taylor Tory, Kilee and Devan Sherry. Visiting hours will be heldon Monday, June 20, 2016 from 4:00 to 6:00pmat the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at the Chapelon Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at 10:15amfollowed by an11:00amMass of Christian Burial at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church,150 Black Point Road, Scarborough. Burial will follow inCalvaryCemetery, Broadway,South Portland. To view Eds memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visitwww.ConroyTullyWalker.com In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Eds memory to: SpringbrookResidential Council, 3rd Floor Activities,300 Spring Street, Westbrook,ME04092