Edward Freeman Sleyzak, 65, went home to our Lord on July 31st, 2026 at his home in Brandon, FL surrounded by his family.

Ed was born December 8th, 1960 in Warren, Ohio. He moved to Florida in 1979 to attend school. He recieved his Associate Degree from St. Petersburg College. He worked in the restaurant industry for many years as a manager where he met the love of his life, Tina. In 2000, he switched careers and found a passion in the landscaping industry where he later became a Certified Arborist. He retired in 2018.

In 2010, Ed was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, which he fearlessly battled for 16 years. He chose to live life to the fullest. He shared a love for basketball with his daughters and grandchildren. He enjoyed riding horses, fishing, traveling to the mountains, cruising as often as he could, and watching football on Sundays with his family. You could usually find him working outside on his lawn or sitting on the back porch with a large pot of coffee when he wasn’t on his computer working on something for the Knights of Columbus.

Loving, proud, dependable, and irreplaceable are only a few words to describe Ed when it came to his family and friends. He was known for his kindness, integrity, and generous heart. Ed’s faith was of huge importance to him and in October 2006 Ed answered the call to join the Knights of Columbus at St. Stephens Catholic Church. Through hard work and dedication, Ed worked his way through the ranks to become State Secretary of the Florida State Council. He was proud to serve alongside his fraternity of Brothers in being a man of Faith, Family, and Fraternity. He always enjoyed volunteering with his fellow Knights at the Special Olympics each year. He was someone who never hesitated to help others and a loyal friend and protector of those he loved.

Ed is survived by his wife of 41 years, Tina Sleyzak; his children Nicole Ferrante (Aaron), Tracy Gilbert (Matthew), Anna Gaeta (Stephen), Timothy Sleyzak (Mason), and Faith Sleyzak (Joseph). He was a very proud and devoted “Papa” to 12 amazing grandchildren; his sister, Phoebe Cates; his brother, Tim Sleyzak, Sr. (Lorraine)

He was preceded in death by his father, John E. Sleyzak (Evelyn); his mother, Ellen B. Stanton (Charles Joseph); his brother, Johnnie Sleyzak; his sister, Mary Ann Smith; his brother-in-law, Wayne Cates

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Florida K of C Charities, Inc.. Put “For Special Olympics Fund IMO Ed Sleyzak” in the memo line.

Send checks to: 

Florida K of C Charities 

6318 Grand Oak Cir Apt 104 

Bradenton, Fl 34203-7134