Edward Molnar, 83, 1983 Lorain Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

Mr. Molnar was born July 27, 1921 in Lorain and was a graduate of Lorain High School as a member of the B Class of 1939.

He was a gifted baseball player who served as player-manager of the Chick’s Dairy team for thirteen years, player-manager for Ed’s Indians for one year, and player-manager for the Lorain Glass baseball team for an additional three years. He also served as manager and coach for the U.S. Steel Baseball team leading them to the National Championship in 1957. He later served as manager of the Lorain Youth Center Class D State Championship team of 1963.

Ed served as a territory baseball scout for the Cleveland Indians for twenty-three years as well as a territory baseball scout for the Detroit Tigers for four years; during that time he signed numerous players to minor league contracts as well as two who ultimately achieved major league status.

His prowess both on and off the diamond led to his induction into the Lorain Sports Hall of Fame during ceremonies conducted in 1983. He served that body as a member of its Board of Directors and was elevated to the office of President in 1988.

Mr. Molnar was employed by the United States Steel Corporation’s Lorain-Cuyahoga Works as an accounting clerk. He retired in 1983 following forty-two years of service with the steel producer.

He was extremely active in Hungarian fraternal organizations and was a member of the Lorain Hungarian Reformed Church; he formerly served as the church’s English Chairman, as well as Secretary and Treasurer of the church body. He was a member and former President of the Men’s Brotherhood, as well as a volunteer in the kitchen and a member of the Church Consistory. He also served as a delegate for the Hungarian Reformed Federation and was a member of the Hungarian Sick Benefit Society.

In his free time, Mr. Molnar enjoyed sharing in the athletic accomplishments of his grandchildren, playing sports (especially baseball), and gardening. He also liked taking trips to Las Vegas and playing cards.

Survivors include his sons: Edward A. Molnar of Fairfax, Virginia, Gary J. Molnar of Springfield, Ohio, James A. Molnar of Amherst Township, and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife: Marian (Nee Emerick) in December of 2004, by his parents: Alex and Elizabeth (nee Megyesi) Molnar, by brothers: Alex, Bill, Steve, and Ernie Molnar, and by sisters: Elizabeth Tutkovics, and Julia Bucsi.

Visitation will be Thursday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway, Lorain, where a memorial services will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. by officers and members of the Lorain Sports Hall of Fame. A memorial prayer service by the clergy representing the Hungarian Reformed Church will follow at 8:30 p.m. in the funeral chapel. Additional visitation will be observed Friday in the Lorain Hungarian Reformed Church, 1691 East 31st Street, Lorain, from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral services at 11:00 a.m. The Reverend Dr. Zoltan D. Szucs, former pastor of the church will officiate. Burial will follow in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township.

Memorial contributions can be made to any of the following: the Lorain Hungarian Reformed Church – 1691 East 31st Street – Lorain, Ohio 44055 , to the Lorain Sports Hall of Fame – P.O. Box 723 – Lorain, Ohio 44052, or to the CHP Regional Foundation / New Life Hospice – 3700 Kolbe Road – Lorain, Ohio 44053.

Online condolences can also be made at www.gluvna.net.