Obituaries

Ed Biga

Edward John Biga, 95, of Signal Mountain, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2013.Ed was born on Sept. 7, 1917, in Stevens Point, Wis. He was the first child of the late John Biga and Josephine Podraza Biga. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Barbara Borton Biga; brothers, Walter, Frank, Harry, Chester; and a sister, Irene Firkus.Ed was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Alexian Village Chapel, Signal Mountain.Ed graduated from St. Peters Elementary School and Emerson High School in Stevens Point, Wis. He continued to take courses and study throughout his life, attaining the equivalent of a third year college education. Ed served in the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1935-1936. After that, he worked as a grocery store clerk, gasoline service station operator, and Pepsi Cola soft drink distributor. Ed was a 31-year Air Force veteran, and served in WWII and the Korean War. After serving in Guam and the Philippines during the 1950s, Ed moved his family to Columbia, S.C. There he remained in the Air Force reserves until retiring with the rank of Lt. Colonel. In Columbia, he worked with Mutual of New York as an insurance agent and financial consultant. In 1985 he and his wife moved to Alexian Village where they spent the rest of their lives.Ed was involved with church and community activities throughout his life. He was an Air Force Academy Liaison Officer for 11 years and the Catholic representative to the Veterans Administration hospital for 15 years. Ed was a leader in prayer groups, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. As president of the nonprofit Navigator Corporation sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, he helped found, and was the manager of, Christopher Towers, a low cost apartment building for the elderly in Columbia. At Alexian Village, Ed served as president of the Residents Association and volunteered on committees and for various activities.For military service, Lt. Colonel Biga received the EAME Ribbon, Air Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal. For service to the Catholic Church in South Carolina, Ed received the Saint Thomas More Award. For support of Alexian Brothers Caritas Ball, Ed received the first annual Loyalty Award.Ed is survived by a brother, Joseph S. Biga, Algonquin, Ill.; eight children, Patricia Biga, Taylors, S.C., Josephine Gardner, Taylors, S.C., Jerome Biga, New York, N.Y., Margaret Banks, Greenville, S.C., Thomas Biga, Leesville, S.C., John Biga, Jacksonville, Fla., James Biga, Marietta, Ga., and Karen Shealy, St. Matthews, S.C.; 14 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.Visitation is from 10-11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 19, in St. Augustine Chapel at Alexian Village. A funeral liturgy will follow at 11:15 a.m. with the Rev. Augustine Joseph officiating. Following the service, the family invites friends and acquaintances to a memorial reception in Alexians Gold Room.Interment with full military honors will be at 2 p.m. at Chattanooga National Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alexian Village Caritas Fund, 437 Alexian Way, Signal Mountain, TN 37377, or to Caris Healthcare, Hospice Services, 5959 Shallowford Road, Suite 551, Chattanooga, TN 37421.Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist.

Published August 18, 2013

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