Chief Master Sergeant Edward Vincent Miazga, USAF, retired, passed away peacefully at home on March 5, 2017 surrounded by family. Born February 27, 1943 in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania. Edward was the youngest of 13 children. His parents Vincent and Agnes (Siuzdak) Miazga emigrated from Poland to the United States of America; his mother through New York in 1910 and his father in 1913. The Miazga family settled in the Manayunk neighborhood of Philadelphia where Edward attended St. Joseph Catholic School and received the Sacraments of Initiation. He later graduated from St. John Kanty Prep School in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Edward Miazga began his United States Air Force career in March 1961. He was assigned to the 507th Fighter Wing, Kincheloe AFB, Michigan as an F-106 Delta Dart crew chief. He took great pride in his abilities and activities on the
flightline. He often remarked that this was his most
memorable assignment; having worked alongside men that would become lifetime friends. Chief Miazga's service in the USAF bridged over 24 years with assignments to Volk Field Wisconsin, Takhli AB, Thailand, Truax AFB Wisconsin, RAF Upper Heyford, United Kingdom, Malmstrom AFB, Montana, and Peterson AFB Colorado at HQ ADCOM (Air Defense Command) and HQ NORAD where he was promoted to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He was then assigned to RAF Alconbury United Kingdom and then to Tinker AFB,
Oklahoma where he retired from active duty. In addition to the F-106, Ed maintained several models of aircraft including T-33A, F-101B/F Voodoo, F-105D/F Thunder Chief, F-111E, EB-57C/E, F-5E "Aggressors", RF-4C PhantomII, and E-3A AWACS. The adventures he had were often recounted through fascinating stories of hard work, service, and
friendship. CMSgt Edward Miazga was a steady force within each organization he was assigned. A commander once wrote: "CMSgt Edward Miazga is without reservation the
single most competent individual with whom it has been my pleasure to serve. His wealth of knowledge both in terms of maintenance experience and in the area of personal human endeavor were instrumental in his ability to fashion a
professional work force" in support of the Air Force mission. After leaving the USAF, Mr. Miazga found a second career as a contractor within the 21st Space Wing LRS Transportation Flight. He began as a bus driver at Cheyenne AFS, but his work ethic and experience ultimately led to him becoming the contract Transportation Manager of the Peterson AFB Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Activity.
After retirement Ed traveled and placed great value
inspending time with family and friends. He enjoyed traveling to visit his dear friends Peggy and Pete Lagasse of Dexter, Maine; where he often connected with his Air Force buddies. He attended many reunions, reacquainting old friendships and making new ones. In recent years he made multiple visits to England to visit his son and his family. He rediscovered his heritage and embraced distant family during three extended journeys to Poland. He had a great passion for life, fueled by a great, often wry, sense of humor. He remained a dedicated family man and was always available to lend a hand or just
listen. His kindness, wisdom, encouragement, and generosity inspired all those fortunate to know him.
Edward Miazga is survived by his Son Andrew (Brenda) Miazga of San Antonio, Texas, his Daughter Carolyn "CJ" Roe, of Colorado Springs, and former wife, mother of his children, and devoted friend Kathleen "Katya" (Charles) Sand of
Colorado Springs. He is also survived by Sisters Stella Dilella and Teresa Wink both of Philadelphia Pennsylvania. He is Grandpa Ed or "Grimps" to his Granddaughter Claire, and Grandsons Vincent and Benjamin of San Antonio Texas, Granddaughter Kelsie (James) Hoth, and Great-grandson
Collin McDermott of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family. Most notable was Ed's fondness of his niece Linda (Joe) Bauer and her family of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In addition to his parents, Edward Miazga is preceded in death by Sisters Mary, Josephine, Helen, Jenny, Anna, Agnes, Bertha, Joan, Adele, and Brother Joseph.
Visitation will be March 15, 2017 from 5:00-7:00pm at
Evergreen Chapel, 1830 E Fountain Blvd. Colorado Springs, Colorado and Rosary to follow.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated on March 16, 2017 at 10:00am at Divine Redeemer Church, 926 Farragut Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Light refreshments will be served following mass.
Full military honors and graveside ceremony will be March 16, 2017 at 2:30pm at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W. Kenyon Avenue, Denver, Colorado.
A celebration dinner will follow at Pappadeaux Seafood
Kitchen, 7520 E. Progress Place, Greenwood Village,
Colorado.

Published by The Gazette on Mar. 12, 2017.