Edward P. Mikusa

Edward P. Mikusa, 74, died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 in the company of his wife and daughter. Born in Canton, Ohio on September 4, 1948 he was the son of Amy and Ed Mikusa Sr. Growing up in Columbus Ohio in the 60’s, music played a formative role in his life. He and his friends formed The Grayps in 1965 and played to together for the next decade opening for the Beach Boys, Left Banke, and Bob Seager. As part of his musical career, Ed and his friends owned and operated Owl Recording with studios in Columbus and Los Angeles. Ed as the front man for the band, was full of energy and enthusiasm.

Coupling his energy with his caring spirit, Ed became the Director of Recreation at Rosemont School for Girls. While at Rosemont, Ed met the love of his life, Melanie, after hiring her as a lifeguard for the summer. In addition to the typical therapeutic recreation offerings, Ed integrated outdoor adventure, taking the girls hiking and climbing. He used outdoor adventure as a tool for personal growth and development for the residents. To deepen his understanding of outdoor education, Ed attended the North Carolina Outward Bound School’s Educators leadership course in the spring of 1984. This was a transformative experience for Ed. Together, Ed and Melanie went to work for NCOBS for a summer in 1986 and this is where he found his calling.

Over the next decade, Ed served as an instructor, course director, and human resource director at the school. He valued his time as a field instructor and hiring future generations of NCOBS staff. During his time at NCOBS he openly and wholehearted engaged with the community. He shared his caring spirit, his calm nature and his incredible sense of humor, making friends that would last his entire life. Ed was extremely proud of his accomplishments, but what brought him the most joy was his daughter, Flannery. They shared many common interests. Together they would hike, camp, listen to music, and enjoy the outdoors. He always beamed when he talked about her and loved hearing about her climbing adventures.

Ed and his family moved to Morganton in 1994. Community being an important part of Ed’s life, he found Grace Episcopal Church. While at Grace, Ed continued to impact the lives of other through his service as a Sunday school teacher, vestry member, and junior warden.

Those who knew Ed will remember him as a curious and kind individual who was always ready to listen and bring a smile to even the toughest situations. He is survived by his wife, Melanie E. Mikusa, daughter Flannery A. Mikusa, and sister Paula Hauck. Ed is preceded in death by his parents Amy and Edward Mikusa Sr.

Ed was most in his element when he was supporting others. Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the NCOBS scholarship fund at https://www.ncobs.org/donate/ or North Carolina Outward Bound School P.O. Box 896893 Charlotte, NC 28289-6893, or Grace Episcopal Church at https://onrealm.org/GraceEpiscopalC47588/-/form/give/now .

The service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Grace Episcopal Church. The interment of the remains and receiving of friends will follow the service.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.