Sharon, PA - Edward M. Gunesch, 81, of Sharon, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, at Mercy Health Hospice House in Poland, Ohio, after a short but brave battle with cancer, with his loving wife, Renee by his side.

Ed was born on Feb. 22, 1944, in Sharon, to Martin and Jeannette (Fowler) Gunesch.

A 1962 graduate of Sharpsville High School, Ed was on the reunion committee for over 30 years.

He studied commercial baking at Stevens Trade (now known as Stevens College of Technology), graduating in 1965.

Ed was instrumental in organizing the Class of '65 Annual Reunion, held at the Brown Jug in Tower City, Pa.

The Stevens Alumni Association presented him with the Hall of Fame Award in 2005 and the Alumni Service Award in 2009.

Ed's lifelong love of dancing came in handy when he first met Renee Messersmith on the dance floor in 1990, and from there it was 36 years of love, laughter and dancing.

The couple married on June 12, 1999.

Over their many years together, Ed and Renee traveled to New York City and Las Vegas, and made many trips to Lancaster for trade school reunions and to stay in touch with friends, family and classmates.

Ed was a kind, gentle, supporting soul. If you needed help, Ed was there, and he seemed to know everyone.

Ed stepped up and was a wonderful loving stepfather to Renee's children, Dave and Michelle.

Ed was a member of Central Christian Church in Hermitage, where he served as a diaconate and loved to sing with the "Praise Team" opening Sunday morning services.

Ed was a baker until he retired in 2006, working in super market bakeries and local bakeries.

He was a proud member of Baker's Local 19 for over 50 years.

Upon retiring, he worked at St. John's Episcopal Church in Sharon as a sexton and then as a delivery driver for Hovis Auto Parts.

Slowing down and taking it easy was not in his nature.

Many friends, longtime and new, will remember Ed as a member of The New Deal Club of Farrell, The Apollo Maennerchor Club, the Sharon American Legion Post 299 and the Shenango Valley VFW Post 1338.

Left to cherish Ed's memory are his wife Renee; stepson Dave Messersmith (Michael), stepdaughter Michelle (Mark) Clapper; a sister, Carol (Jim) Meyer; and nephews, Don Elliot and David Elliott.

He was preceded in death by his parents; nephews, Dale and Dan Elliott; and niece, Debbie Brule.

Donations in Ed's memory can be made to Central Christian Church.

Visitation: 12 to 1 p.m. Saturday (2-21-26) at Central Christian Church, 218 Meadowbrook Road, Hermitage, 16148.

Memorial service: 1 p.m. Saturday at the church.

Following the service, family and friends are welcome to attend the Celebration of Life at Sharon American Legion Post 299.

Messages of sympathy, stories and photos can be shared on Edward's memorial page, at www.flynnfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by JOHN FLYNN FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, INC., 2630 E. State st., Hermitage.