Edward Potutschnig Sr., 81, of Irvona, was born March 19, 1943 in Utahville to the parents Ernest and Gussie (Hollen) Potutschnig, and on May 2, 2024, he got to experience his first day in heaven. On January 26, 1961, he wed Lorraine Gates, who survives, along with seven children who were blessed to call him Dad: Edward Jr. (Jill Gabrielson), Susan (Joey) Leyo, Stephen (Lori Fortier), Angela (Travis) Nicklow, Julie (Chip) Clarkson, Daniel (Lanette Twigg), and Aaron (Elizabeth McFarlane); 16 grandchildren: Emily (Jeff), Zachary(Jacqueline), Alyson (Airik), Luke (Jenna), Joseph (Lisa), Joshua (Tia), Levi, Caitlin (Ben), Lauryn, Austen (Summer), Nathan (Megan), Janae, Alivia, Sophia, Grace, and Lyla, and 14 great grandchildren . His large and loving family was a source of great joy, second to his joy of salvation and faith in Jesus. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Joe Hughes, and sisters Jackie Gates and Mary Ford as well as many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. He is survived by sister Alice (Joe) Amick, and brothers Ernest (Sandy) and Carl (Linda) and numerous nieces and nephews. A true committed follower of Christ, he was a faithful member and board member of the Assembly of God in Coalport for more than fifty years and served many years as Sunday School Superintendent. At age 13, he started working for Bobby Barnhart and went on to be employed by several others including the Westover Tannery, Gibson Coal Company, Benjamin Coal Company, TYK Refractories and Grannas Bros. He was a skilled Gradall operator and member of the Operating Engineers Local 66.  His work ethic and appreciation and respect for his employers was instilled in all of his children. Ed enjoyed his German shepherd companions, Rose and Molly and their lapdog, Fluffy. Friends and family will be received on Sunday afternoon from 3 to 5 and 6 to 8 PM and from 11AM until time of service on Monday at the Glendale Assembly of God in Coalport. A Celebration of his life will be held at noon Monday, May 6, with his son Rev. Stephen Potutschnig and Pastor Jonathan Hendren officiating. Ed’s legacy of faith, love, perseverance, and compassion will continue on through those who knew and loved him. The family would like to thank the volunteers who serve on the Irvona Ambulance and Glendale Rescue Squad for their dedication and professionalism. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Irvona Ambulance or the Glendale Rescue Squad in Ed’s memory. Arrangements by Gibbons Funeral Home, 1085 Main St., Coalport, PA 16627. www.gibbonsfhashvillecoalport.com