Edward F. Polash

Edward F. Polash, known affectionately as “Ed,” passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026, in Flemington, New Jersey. He was born on August 9, 1938, in Palmerton, Pennsylvania, and throughout his eighty-eight years, Ed touched the lives of those who had the good fortune to know him with his warm personality, his generosity, and his zest for life.

Ed’s early years were rooted in Palmerton, where he graduated with the Class of 1956 from Palmerton High School. His passion for culinary arts took him to New York, where he attended culinary school and later began an impressive and rewarding career. Ed worked at the iconic Waldorf-Astoria in New York before moving on to distinguished accomplishments at Saga Corp (now Marriott Corporation), where he retired as a Regional Manager in the Institutional Food Service division. In 1970, Ed and his family settled in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, establishing roots that would foster decades of community, friendship, and family memories.

Ed was a man of wide-ranging interests and deep enthusiasms. He loved a nice car and took great pride in his many “toys” over the years, which included motorcycles, snowmobiles, John Deere tractors, boats, and even horses. He found joy in Old Country music, especially the familiar melodies of Hank Williams and the sounds of Willie’s Roadhouse, which filled his home. NASCAR races often kept him company, and camping trips with his family were among his most cherished traditions.

A lifelong lover of animals, Ed welcomed dogs and cats into his home and made it a point to nurture the local deer population, often feeding them in his backyard. These acts reflected his caring nature, which extended far beyond his family and friends.

Community involvement was important to Ed. He was a longtime member of the Reaville Sportsman’s Club, where he not only enjoyed the camaraderie of trapshooting but also served as Treasurer for several years, a testament to the trust his peers placed in him. Ed’s outgoing nature meant he could strike up a conversation with anyone—his friendliness was matched only by his generosity with both his time and resources. When asked how he was feeling, his favorite response was always, “Outstanding!”—a word that truly captured his approach to life.

After retiring, Ed and his devoted wife Betty (Elizabeth D. Merkel Polash) embraced the joy of travel, splitting their time as “snowbirds” between winters in Fort Myers, Florida, as well as at their second home in Cape May, New Jersey.

Above all, Ed was deeply devoted to his family and his Catholic faith. He is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth D. (Merkel) Polash; daughters, Rita Polash-Alles and Tonya Polash; his son, Andrew Polash, and daughter-in-law, Sonja Polash. He was a proud grandfather to Kate Alles, Chelsea Archambault (and her husband James), and Alexandra Polash, and a loving great-grandfather to Arthur and Mabel. Ed is also survived by his sister, Mary Polash, and his brothers, Fred and Frank Polash.

He was predeceased by his father, Fred Polash, and his mother, Edwina Maminski Polash.

Those wishing to pay their respects to Ed may do so at a public viewing on Friday, August 21, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. A funeral service celebrated by Monsignor David Fulton will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Entombment will take follow at 12:00 p.m. at St. Magdalen Mausoleum, 94 North Main Street, Flemington, NJ.

Edward F. Polash will be remembered always for his kindness, his loving spirit, and his unwavering commitment to those around him. His legacy endures in the hearts of his family and all who were privileged to know him.

For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.