10/13/2026

Obituary for Edward A. "Edd" Kubu

Edward "Edd" A. Kubu passed away peacefully on September 6, 2026, surrounded by those who loved him. Born September 12, 1943, in Cleveland, he was the son of the late Edward J. and Dorothy Kubu.

Edd was raised in his father's funeral home on 55th Street and Broadway. His dad began teaching him about the funeral business when he was young, and Edd followed in his footsteps. He always felt fortunate to have learned from his father. After graduating from South High School in Cleveland, Edd attended Kent State University and the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. He then returned to work with his father, completing his apprenticeship and earning his Funeral Director and Embalmer's licenses.

Edd's career began at Kubu and Son Funeral Home in 1968, where he stayed for two years. In 1970, he joined University Hospitals of Cleveland, working in the Mortician's Office until his retirement in 2008. During his 38-year career, Edd participated in more than 12,000 autopsies and worked closely with funeral directors and families throughout the Cleveland area. He took his work seriously and treated every person with dignity and respect. Edd also learned to play the trumpet and often played Taps at funerals, a quiet way of showing his respect and being there for families during difficult times. Families who met Edd during these stressful and challenging times often remembered him for his kindness, compassion and sensitivity.

Edd remained involved in funeral service even after retiring. He was a member of the Cuyahoga County Funeral Directors Association, Tri-County Funeral Directors Association, Ohio Funeral Directors Association and National Funeral Directors Association. He served as past president of the Cleveland Embalmers Association and was honored by the Ohio Funeral Directors Association in 2018 for 50 years of licensure. He continued attending educational workshops and maintained his Funeral Director license.

Some of Edd's favorite memories had nothing to do with work. He met his lifelong friend, Sam LaSpisa, in first grade, and the two remained friends throughout their lives. Edd was very close to his cousins and their families and loved getting together for family reunions. Summers at Pelee Island with Aunt Lucille, Uncle Steve and Dale Spisak were special to him. He especially enjoyed spending time on his dad's boat, the Lisa K.

Edd and Mary Lou (nee Zabjek) met in 1983 through Edd's sister Karen and her husband, Klaus, who lived next door to Mary Lou's parents. What started as a friendship grew into something much more, and they were married at St. Christine Church in 1985. They shared a wonderful life together, supporting each other's careers and enjoying the many friendships they made along the way. They traveled with the Ohio and National Funeral Directors Associations, visiting many places together, but Hawaii was their favorite. Edd also enjoyed traveling with Mary Lou when she attended national nursing conferences.

Edd was a devoted father to Lisa M. (Edmund) Alemagno. He often said that Lisa's birth in 1968 was "the greatest day of his life." He was involved in everything she did, from sports and other activities to PSR and Sunday Mass. Sundays often ended with breakfast at Perkins, something the two of them continued to enjoy.

Edd and Mary Lou were blessed with two grandchildren, Alyssa and Brandon. Edd loved the title he would come to cherish most-Grandpa. He followed their activities, celebrated their accomplishments and always encouraged them to pursue whatever they wanted in life. He was incredibly proud of both of them and treasured every moment he shared with them.

Edd adored animals from an early age, growing up with Boston Terriers that his family raised. That love of animals continued throughout his life. Edd and Mary Lou always had a special place in their hearts for their cats, and despite Mary Lou's allergies, there was always a cat in their home. Smudgie Lou became especially dear to Edd in his later years, seeming to know when he needed her. She became his little companion, sleeping beside him every night and never far away. In his later years, Penny and Belle brought Edd so much happiness. Their visits always brought a smile to his face, and he loved having them nearby.

Edd enjoyed good food, a good beer and watching sports. He took pride in his home and was especially proud of his landscaping. After retiring, he became an usher at the 4:30 PM Mass at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, usually working in the main aisle.

The family is especially grateful to the people who were there for Edd and Mary Lou over the years. They would like to thank Maria Kaleal, a dear friend who shared Mama Roberto's pizza and Friday night meals with the Kubu family; Gayle Raia, who was always willing to help; Stephen Zabjek, who helped Edd with the yard when he could no longer do it himself and shared his love of sports; and the neighbors on Terrace Park Drive, who were always there when needed. They also wish to thank Sue Brown and the staff of Taylor Made Homecare and the staff of Reserve Care (formerly known as Hospice of the Western Reserve) for the exceptional care they provided.

Edd was the dear brother of Karen (Klaus, deceased) Kaminski; beloved uncle of Kelley (Mike) West, Stephen Zabjek and Donald Zabjek. He was preceded in death by his in-laws, Tony and Louise Zabjek, and brother-in-law, David Zabjek.

Edd will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his love of funeral service, his friendships and his ability to make people feel comfortable during some of life's hardest moments. He was a proud husband, father and grandfather, a loyal friend and someone who cared deeply about the people around him. He will be missed by the many people whose lives he touched.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday, September 11, 2026, at McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Home, 6330 Center Street (Route 615, north of Route 2), Mentor. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 8560 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH, with burial to follow at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Twp.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lake County Humane Society, 7564 Tyler Blvd., Mentor, OH, from whom Angel Lou and Sassy were adopted; Purrfect Partners, 7986 Plains Rd., Mentor, OH, from whom Smudgie Lou was adopted; Reserve Care (formerly known as Hospice of the Western Reserve), PO Box 72700, Cleveland, OH 44192; or St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 8560 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH.

Rest in peace my love in God's loving arms until we meet again at Heaven's gate.