Edward  Hancharik, born in Newark, NJ July 12, 1920, passed away on Sunday, February 19, peacefully in his sleep at his home in Southern Pines, NC.

Long-time resident of Livingston, NJ, Vero Beach, FL and later on, Pinehurst and Belle Meade, NC, Ed is survived by his daughter Marion Hughes and was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Virginia Hancharik. He was the favorite uncle of 7 nieces and nephews and 9 great nieces and nephews as well as 9 great, great nieces and nephews and brother to Richie of Livingston, NJ and  sister Mary, both of whom preceded him in death.

Funeral Mass will be conducted at 11:00 AM Thursday, February 23, 2012 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pinehurst with Father Edward J. Burch officiating. Entombment will take place on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at the Gate of Heaven cemetery in East  Hanover, NJ.

First generation American of Russian heritage, Ed began his professional career in early 1943 as a machinist for Bendix Aircraft.  Two months after Pearl Harbor, he went to Ethiopia on behalf of Douglas Aircraft of California.  Two years later he enlisted in United States Navy first based in Bainbridge, Maryland before being accepted into flight training school in Pensacola, FL. He subsequently received an honorable discharge as the war ended.

Working as a Yellow Page salesman for NJ Bell Telephone Company, he attended night school at Seton Hall University and after 8 years obtained his degree in Business Administration.

In 1952 he moved to AT&T and received full executive grooming and attended Wharton.  As his career expanded, he was appointed to director level where he very successfully ran the entire phone directory operation (White and Yellow Pages ) nationwide.

Ed was a avid golfer and tremendously enjoyed sport fishing of all types.  In 1972, Ed took on a new role as father to an orphaned niece of 11 years old and was a loving father for over 40 years. His retirement coincided with the break-up of AT&T and he and his wife Virginia enjoyed over 30 years in Vero Beach, FL and Pinehurst, NC. His enduring Catholic faith, his generous and loving ways, his dedication to his cherished wife of 56 years, who passed away in 2007, and his daughter Marion, along with his witty sense of humor and keen interest in world affairs and the political scene were trademarks that made all those who interacted with him tremendously enjoy his company. He will be fondly remembered and missed dearly by all who had the joy of his friendship and love, especially by Dorothy McAllister Mason and her family,  Bernard Roger and Nick and Clementine Roger.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Seton Hall Fund, 457 Centre St., South Orange, NJ 07079 or at their website at https://bayley.shu.edu/SSLPage.aspx?pid=292