Edward Nykaza
Edward George Nykaza passed away peacefully at home on September 20, 2025. He will be dearly missed.
Ed was born May 31, 1953, in Evergreen Park, IL, to Edward Walter and Ethel Rita Nykaza. He was brother to Sue (Chuck) Carey, Maribeth (Dave) McNally, Betsy (the late Perttu) Laakso, Bob Nykaza, and Kathy (Lori) Nykaza. Ed was raised on the South Side of Chicago in the Catholic Archdiocese, and was a graduate of Brother Rice High School, where he remained an active alumnus his whole life.
Ed married his high school sweetheart, Margaret O’Connell, on August 16, 1975. Together they raised Eddie (Kelly), Michael (Fran), and Keith (Christy) in a house full of love and laughter. Ed was a doting grandfather to Leah, Lukas, Maggie, Grace, and Mikey, and they brought him and Marge tremendous joy. He especially loved attending musicals, athletic events, and school functions.
An enthusiastic Bears fan, there was nothing Ed liked better than watching the game on a Sunday afternoon with his family and friends, while enjoying his Polish sausage and homemade guacamole.
Ed began a career as a carpenter in 1975. He worked in Chicago and was a proud member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local #1, recently receiving his 50-year pin. The list of buildings he worked on is long and distinguished; his projects ranged from River City in the South Loop to the Art Institute downtown, the Peninsula Hotel on the Near North Side, and the O’Hare Airport expansion. He thoroughly enjoyed his years with Tribco, and especially the camaraderie and mentorship of his fellow carpenters and coworkers. Ed taught all three of his sons the business, as they each had the pleasure of working with their dad on the job at different times throughout the years.
Ed was kind, honest, caring, generous, and loving. He was the first to be asked for a favor and would always help without a complaint. He was a devoted husband, a selfless caregiver, and a loyal companion. You could often find Ed in the kitchen cooking a made-from-scratch meal or a pot of soup that he loved to serve his family. His support of his family was second to none, and he wanted nothing more than for his sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren to experience the joys of life, while giving mindful advice to work hard, go with the flow, and, most importantly, take care of each other. His legacy will live on in each of them.
Ed is survived by his three sons and daughters-in-law; five grandchildren and five grandpets; five siblings; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marge, his parents, and a son, Kevin.
Visitation Friday, September 26, 2025, 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass, 12:00 noon, at Most Holy Redeemer Church, 96th St. & Lawndale Ave, Evergreen Park, IL; Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brother Rice High School, Attn: Tim O’Connell, 10001 S. Pulaski, Chicago, IL 60655, or online at https://www.brotherrice.org/crusaderfund-payment/. Arrangements entrusted to Curley Funeral Home. For Funeral information, call (708) 422-2700 or visit www.curleyfuneralhome.com.