EDWARD SZOKE, age 58, died in Las Cruces, NM on Saturday, January 13, 2024.

Edward was born in Michigan in 1965 and grew up near Detroit, which spurred his later interest in the automotive industry.  The family moved to the Buffalo, NY area and Ed graduated from Williamsville East HS, where he was on the rifle team and managed the baseball team.  He then went on to earn a bachelor's degree in business from Northwood University in Midland, MI.

He had a career in the automotive industry, working at various automotive related businesses and car dealers.  He was customer service oriented and very knowledgeable about parts and service of automobiles. He worked for many years in Las Cruces at German & Japanese Import Repair Specialists on Valley (now closed) and enjoyed working directly with his customers.

Ed loved to read the newspaper, chat with friends, watch NASCAR and follow the Buffalo Bills. He also loved to visit his mother at the Good Samarian Nursing home, where she lived for the past few years.

Ed struggled with alcohol and substance abuse for many years, enjoying a few years of sobriety thanks to Alcoholics Anonymous, and we pray he is now at peace.

Ed is preceded in death by his parents, Rose and Kalman Szoke.  He is survived by his two sisters and their families.

The family would like to thank Stephen Mirabal and the team at the City Barbershop for providing Ed with a community of friendship, love, and support.

A small family service was held at St. Andrews Episcopal Church.  There will be no reception or visitation.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com