John "Jack" Carl Grzybek

John “Jack” Carl Grzybek, 85, of Edgewood, died on April 13, 2026. Born September 16, 1940 to John and Henrietta (Dzielinski) Grzybek in New Kensington, PA, he spent his childhood and teenage years in the Allegheny Valley where he met his wife, Diane (Jack) 66 years ago.

Drafted into the Army in 1963, he proudly served his country and achieved the rank of Specialist (E4). Following his military service, he married Diane in 1966 and attended Penn State University where he earned an architectural degree, launching him into his long career as an architect. Jack worked at a handful of firms throughout his career, and retired in 2007 from Burt Hill in Pittsburgh. Even after his retirement, Jack didn’t encounter a code violation he wouldn’t mention.

Jack and Diane enjoyed traveling throughout their long marriage, including a multi-month cross- country camping adventure shortly after graduating from Penn State. Later in life, they enjoyed annual trips to Hilton Head Island with family and routine vacations with friends.

Throughout their marriage, Jack and Diane spent time exploring Pittsburgh’s dive bars and top restaurants, supporting regional arts and cultural organizations, attending concerts, hosting impromptu porch gatherings or treks for frozen custard with neighbors, working in their yard and garden, and watching movies across all genres. Their annual Christmas open house was the stuff of legend.

A Steelers season ticket holder since 1962, the Steelers held a special place in Jack’s heart, as did the Penguins and Pirates. For over two decades, Jack was the Commissioner for the long-standing MSNF football pool with players spread across the U.S. Jack’s witty weekly updates were reason enough for players to participate year after year. (Jack would want to mention that if you’d like to participate in the 2026 version, please reach out to his family who took over a few years ago.)

Jack often told his daughter, Alunda (Al), that he was the coolest person she knew and there wasn’t really an argument to be made. Often described as a “character” due to his sense of humor, Jack was always true to himself and his beliefs, treated everyone with respect and dignity, and was never shy to offer assistance to anyone in need.

From driving around Saturday mornings listening to Charlie Apple play the golden oldies on the radio, to floor seats to see The Cure with Al in 1989, Jack’s love of music was passionate, eclectic and influential.

Jack was an exceptional dad and grandpa. Annual wild black-raspberry picking in Frick Park and Homewood Cemetery, elaborate 4th of July fireworks displays, Dairy Queen trips on Wednesdays after school, Steelers games in the bitter cold and blazing sun, and lively “debates” during homework help are some of the varied and lasting memories of daddy and grandpa time spent with Jack.

Jack was an excellent friend, colleague and neighbor which is evident in the way he maintained deep friendships with people from each phase of his life, including several friends from elementary school.

Jack’s presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Diane Grzybek, daughter, Alunda (Jonathan) Edmonds of Mt Lebanon, and granddaughter, Veronica Edmonds of Floral Park, NY.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his twin daughters, Alexandra and Kyle Grzybek.

Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 6-8 PM at WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE, 1650 Greentree Rd., Scott Twp., 15220 (412-563-2800). A Blessing Service will take place at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 17, 2026 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at The Homewood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made online in Jack’s memory to 91.3 WYEP, Pittsburgh's independent music source. Support WYEP 91.3FM