Edward A. Masilunas Sr. of Verona, formerly of Upper Montclair, passed away on Saturday, April 11, from complications due to COVID-19. He was 89.
Mr. Masilunas was born and raised in East Pittsburgh, Pa., one of three children of Maryann and Joseph Masilunas. His siblings were the late Nell Masilunas of Montclair and the late Albert Masilunas of Monroeville, Pa.
Mr. Masilunas graduated from Turtle Creek High School and joined the ROTC program at the University of Pittsburgh. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant and served proudly in the Korean War. After returning from Korea, he finished his bachelor’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh in 1954.
He moved from Pittsburgh to New York City and worked for Westinghouse Electric Co. After many years of working for Westinghouse, Mr. Masilunas found his passion in the packaging industry. He worked for several packaging companies throughout his career before he went on to start his own business, Pac Quest, LTD, in 1993.
He was well-known in the wholesale packaging industry for creative ideas and innovative packaging for everyday items. He was especially proud of his latest work, launching plastic bags with spouts from which people can easily pour out what they need and then reseal the remainder for later use. These bags are being used today in several different industries – paint, building materials, and food.
Mr. Masilunas lived a purposeful life with a large extended family, rewarding career and travel to many areas of the world with his wife. He was a member of St. Cassian Church in Upper Montclair, and a long-time member of the Mercier Club who hosted many member gatherings at his house. He enjoyed playing bocce every week and joking with the members. He fostered a deep love for all people he knew and always welcomed each one of them into his home and life. He loved talking about his life adventures and passing on his wealth of knowledge.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joyce (Clark) Masilunas; four children, Cyndee (Bob) Rowan of Montclair, Dena (Todd) Gertz of Roseland, Lisa (Dave) Sabagh of Cedar Grove, and Edward Jr. (Amy) Masilunas of Mt. Lebanon, Pa., and nine grandchildren, Robert, Justin, Emily, Jake, Katheryn, Jason, Jack, Owen, and Grace.
A memorial will be planned at a future date for family and friends to gather and share memories.