Edward Banach

Edward Banach, 88, of Little Egg Harbor, NJ passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by the love of his family on Monday January 13, 2025.

Born on May 12, 1936 in Brooklyn, NY he was the beloved son of the Constanty and Stella Banach. Also predeceased by his step-father Frank Duhl, brother Frank Banach and sister Helen Banach Kozlowski.

As a young boy, Ed quickly developed a passion for baseball. Ed spent his early playing days playing for the Parkview’s of the famed ice cream league. Ed attended Lafayette High School in Brooklyn, NY where he was teammates with the likes of Sandy Kofax and Fred Wilpon. With his blazing fastball, Ed quickly drew the attention of the Milwaukee Braves and signed his first professional contract at Joe Torre’s childhood home in 1955.

In Ed’s first year in the minor leagues he played for the Eau Claire Braves of the Northern League. His career was off to a fast start quickly amassing a record of 7-0. Ed played his entire professional career with the Milwaukee Braves where he was teammates with the likes of former major leaguers Bob Uecker, and Tony Cloninger. He played for the Braves for 6 total years finally retiring from professional baseball in 1961.

Ed moved back to Brooklyn, NY where he would meet the love of his life Christine Andrzejczak Banach. They were married on September 25, 1965. Ed and Christine would soon move to Avenel NJ where they went on to raise 3 beautiful children – Stephen, Cynthia Swanton & Peter.

During their 59 years of marriage, Ed & Christine often enjoyed listening to Polkas on Sunday mornings before church and dancing the polka every opportunity they had. Ed also developed a love for crafting and especially painting. During the holiday season Ed was known locally in Avenel for painting beautiful winter scenes on the bay windows of his home. Over the years Ed created countless works of art which he would gift to his family and friends. Ed & Christine spent 33 wonderful years in Avenel NJ and would eventually move to Little Egg Harbor in 2006 where Ed would live out his days as a beloved husband, father & grandfather.

Ed’s greatest joy came from being surrounded by his family, especially his 5 cherished grandchildren – son’s of Stephen & Marjorie – Michael & Robert, children of Peter & Jessica – Nolan & Caitlyn and daughter of Cynthia & Keith Swanton Brielle.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday January 15th, 2025 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Maxwell Funeral Home 160 Mathistown Rd. Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday January 16th, 2025 at 11am at St. Theresa’s R.C. Church 450 Radio Rd. Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087. Burial will follow in St. Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia, NJ.