Edward Bilicic

Edward Bilicic performed his last comedy act on Saturday night, March 14, 2026, bringing down the curtain on nearly nine decades of performances. Born to parents George and Anna Bilicic on June 29, 1937, Ed was surrounded and shaped by his family from beginning to end. He was the second of eight children.

“Mister Ed” (as he was oftentimes called) was a proud graduate of Spencer High School and always enjoyed reuniting with his classmates at the Spencer reunions. He was also a boxer in his youth earning his Golden Gloves. His family has speculated on many occasions that he took one too many blows to his head—which resulted in his constant stream of bad “Dad jokes” and offhand, colorful observations about people, their behavior, and life experiences in general.

Edward performed at any early age with his siblings and others having been a mainstay with Bob Bilicic and His Orchestra. He thought he could dance, but even these efforts typically resulted in some sort of a comedy routine. Arguably, his best performance came just days ago when he chased his son Jon around the room while attempting to hit Jon with his cane. (Video verification does exist—see Jon for a special viewing).

Ed joined the Army Reserves in the late1950’s. His service would prepare him for his greatest comedy role in life—becoming a husband and father. He was also a salesman at heart—from Brockway furniture to dabbling in real estate, Ed loved to “close the deal.” However, his best sales job came in the late 1960’s when he met his match.

What began as a chance encounter with Virginia Jamison on that fateful night, evolved into a relationship that would last over 50 years (and a few days). According to Ed, he was a dashing young man who stole the hearts of many women through his wit and charm. But “Ginny” was different. He was smitten by her from their very first encounter. This was a gig that would officially begin in December 1969 and last until her death in January 2020–just days after celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.

During that span Ed and Ginny would raise five children: Timmy, Stacey, Melissa, Jeff, and Jon. Ed’s constant banter helped to create an environment in which his offspring developed their own sense of humor (and comedy routines). From painting a car with tar to (allegedly) placing a pot-bellied pig in the home economics classroom (a front page picture of the jailed pig can be found in the Star Beacon archives), his children became the embodiment of Ed’s humorous take on life.

During his last moments, his children provided their father with a grand send-off full of jokes and comedic sketches. From a funny pose with him (after his passing) to debating whether or not a casket delivery from Amazon could be completed in time for his funeral, Ed’s sense of playfulness and humor were reflected in the loving comments and antics of his children. He would have loved their routine.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Bob and Tom, son Timmy, and his partner in comedy, his wife Ginny. The family is delighted to announce that, after wondering where Ginny was for the past few years, Ed has been reunited with her. In fact, Ginny has chosen a permanent home for them to share for eternity.

Ed is survived by his children, Stacey, Melissa, Jeff, and Jon, siblings Butch, Patsy, Rose, Janet, and Judy, numerous in-laws (and out-laws), an abundance of nieces and nephews, and nine grandchildren.

Calling hours will be held from 11 to 1 on Wednesday March 18th, 2026, at Fleming-Billman Funeral Home, 323 S. Broadway, Geneva, Ohio with his funeral service beginning at 1:00; Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

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