Edward James Bucar

Edward J. Bucar entered the gates of Heaven to be with God and his loving wife, Emma on January 4, 2013. Eddie passed knowing that his responsibilities were fulfilled here on earth. Eddie is survived by his son's Dennis and Dale and three grandchildren Brandon, Nicole and Nathan. Greeting Eddie at the gates of Heaven were his wife Emma, who passed on January 4, 1998; parents Adam and Theresa Bucar; sister Mary and brother Joe. Born August 1, 1926, in Cleveland, Eddie attended East Tech and Fenn College and retired from Curtis 1000 Industries after forty-five years with the company. Eddie is a United States Navy Veteran of World War Two and served in the Pacific Theater Of War aboard the USS YMS-446 Mine Sweeper. Eddie also on May 9th 1996 received a Special Commendation from the United States Department Of Defense, in recognition of Special Service, Loyalty, and Contribution to the United States Of America during World War Two, also a Commendation from the Veterans Department in working with their Mustard Gas Project in 1944. For more than Forty years, Eddie performed with many of the top name polka bands from 1950 thru 1991, such as Frankie Urankar for 11 years, Ray Champa for 10 years, as well as the Joe Luzar Orchestra for 13 years. Eddie was instrumental along with Jimmy Udovic in forming the first original Stanley Blout Band performing 3 years. In 1969 Eddie joined The George Staiduhar Band and cut the first Staiduhar album "Polkas On The Slope" as well as being on several TV Show's. As side man Bass Player, appeared with Bob Timko, Kenny Bass, Johnny Pecon, Frankie Yankovic, Johnny and Richie Vadnal, Joey Miskulin, Markic and Zaggar, George Hunjadi, Fred Kuhar, Frankie Kramer, Eddie Stampfl, Pinky Trinko, Eddie Andres, Richard Spillar, Bob Oblocki, Mickey Ryance, Rudy Tomsic, Ronnie Stark, Louie Bajc, Corkey Godic and many more. Eddie had the pleasure of playing the orchestra pit for the stage productions of "Pajama Game" and "That's Entertainment" for the Mt. Carmel Players. Due to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Eddie retired from playing in 1991. Eddie entertained Cleveland area audiences with Polkas, Waltez, Big Band favorites at WELW Radio for 33 years as well as being a musician playing the upright bass for 40 years. Eddie began his radio career at WELW 1330 AM in Willoughby, Ohio back in January 1968 with the late Kenny Bass, who introduced Eddie on the air and also trained him. Eddie originated and produced the Croatian Show, The Sunday Morning International Polka Show, The Daily Supper Hour Polka Show and in 1985 hosted the Coffee Club Show for 16 years. Throughout the years Eddie could always be counted on helping with many fund raisers. Eddie has received numerous Awards, Resolutions, Proclamations, Tributes, Certificates Of Recognitions honoring his community accomplishments, including "1982 Man Of The Year" from the Croation Community, A Gold Record from Cleveland International Records given by the late Steve Popovich in 1984 and in 1986 "Musician Of The Year" from the Slovenian Society. In 1991, Eddie along with his sons, Denny & Dale captured the "Support And Promotion Award" in the Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame. Eddie was the first to be enshrined in the WELW Radio Hall of Fame in 1991 and in 1994, he was enshrined into the National Broadcasters Hall of Fame in Akron, Ohio along with Liberace, Edward R. Murrow, Jimmie Dudley and Johnny Krizancic. Eddie was also honored by the "Polka Club" of the Youngstown and Pennsylvania area. In November of year 2000, Eddie received the Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame coveted "Trusties" Award.

Edward James Bucar

August 1, 1926 - January 4, 2013

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