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Edward S. Danielczyk | Tavern owner, 86

Edward S. "Spike" Danielczyk, 86, of Port Richmond, a former tavern owner and museum volunteer, died of heart failure, Wednesday, March 28, at Aria Frankford Hospital.

Edward S. "Spike" Danielczyk, 86, of Port Richmond, a former tavern owner and museum volunteer, died of heart failure, Wednesday, March 28, at Aria Frankford Hospital.

In 1960, Mr. Danielczyk married Laura Blichasz, a widow with two small children. For the next 30 years, he and his wife operated Laura's in Port Richmond.

The popular tavern was "just like Cheers," Mr. Danielczyk's stepson, Michael Blichasz, said.

As bartender, Mr. Danielczyk listened to everyone's stories, passed on messages from one patron to another and accepted deliveries for neighbors who weren't home.

A talented mechanic, he had an extensive collection of tools he lent to patrons. If someone needed a tool and a lesson on how to use it, people would say, "go see Spike at the bar," his stepson said.

After Mr. Danielczyk and his wife retired and closed Laura's in 1990, he was a volunteer at the Polish American Cultural Center and Museum. Until three weeks ago, he was at the museum every day, his stepson said.

For years he helped organize and participated in the annual Pulaski Day Parade.

The son of Polish immigrants, Mr. Danielczyk grew up in Port Richmond and graduated from Mastbaum High School.

During World War II, he served in the Navy.

After his discharge, he was a truck driver for Lombard Bros. in Philadelphia before his marriage.

In addition to his stepson, Mr. Danielczyk is survived by a stepdaughter, Irene Evangelist; a brother; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. His wife died in 2000.

A Funeral Mass will be said at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 31, at St. Laurentius Church, 1612 E. Berks St., Philadelphia. Friends may call from 9 a.m. Burial will be in Westminster Cemetery, Bala Cynwyd.

Donations may be made to the Polish American Cultural Center Museum, 308 Walnut St. Philadelphia, 19106.