Tyrone Community Remembers Eddie Coltabaugh
Members of the TASD community remember a special Tyrone son, friend, and classmate
Over the past month, the Tyrone community has been celebrating the life and legacy of former Tyrone Area Elementary School student Eddie Coltabaugh.
Nine-year-old Eddie passed away in the arms of his parents John and Kate (Bickle) Coltabaugh one year ago today, on May 11, 2022.
We have two days in the spring, his birthday, which I knew would be hard, and the one-year anniversary of his death in May. I wanted to try to make his birthday more happy and memory filled
— Kate Coltabaugh
Eddie was born on April 13, 2013, and every night his Mama told him as he fell asleep, “You are awesome, you are so smart, you are kind, you are so so handsome, you are funny, you are such a good friend.”
According to his obituary, “Eddie enjoyed playing baseball for Miracle League, swimming, dogs, and Disney. Eddie was a friend to all and loved playing Wii.”
With Eddie’s birthday and the first anniversary of his death both occurring within little more than a month, there have been many heartwarming efforts made to comfort his family and keep Eddie’s memory alive among his friends, family, and the community.
“We have two days in the spring, his birthday, which I knew would be hard, and the one-year anniversary of his death in May,” said mom Kate Coltabaugh. “I wanted to try to make his birthday more happy and memory filled.”
Eddie was born with DiGeorge Syndrome, a chromosomal disorder that affects the twenty-second chromosome at the q11.2 location.
To help the family with the cost of his care, friends of the Coltabaughs started Eddie’s Angels in 2013.
The group is still active today, posting on Facebook about upcoming events, his family, and of course, Eddie. The group is also still raising money for the care of other sick children.
This April 13, on what would have been Eddie’s 10th birthday, the Tyrone High School Learning Support team where Kate works as a paraprofessional surprised her with a birthday party to celebrate Eddie’s life and legacy.
Many of Eddie’s friends from the elementary school came to be a part of the “Eddiesketty” celebration, along with his former teachers, Kate’s high school students, and colleagues.
Everyone in the school district was encouraged to wear orange, which was Eddie’s favorite color.
“We knew that regardless of what we did, his birthday would still be very difficult to get through. We wanted to show her how much she and Eddie are loved, and that hopefully with support and gestures from friends, we could help ease her pain in some small way,” said Learning Support teacher Jess Ellenberger, who helped organize the event.
It was a very emotional yet touching moment for Kate.
“I cried, gasped, then cried again,” said Kate.
Ellenberger was pleased by how well the event went.
“Her laugh, smile, exclamations, and tears, happy and sad, touched us all,” said Ellenberger. “The amount of love poured into that day was beautiful, heartwarming, and inspiring. I am so happy that we were able to help her, if even for a moment, through an incredibly difficult day.”
Kate said that it is not easy to surprise her, but her coworkers and students managed to pull it off without any suspicion.
“I usually catch onto things but they got me, which might be the first time ever,” said Kate.
After the party, the group went to the TAHS courtyard to plant flower seeds in Eddie’s memory.
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Eddie’s memorial “Buddy Bench” at the elementary school was also decorated with balloons for the special day.
Many people in the Tyrone community also celebrated Eddiesketty Day, showering the Coltabaughs with birthday wishes and love.
Groups like the Police Department, Hookies Fire Co, and the Tyrone Borough publically celebrated Eddie in town and on social media.
“The whole town participated in celebrating Eddiesketty Day. The kindness shown by your classmates, teachers, police, firefighters, friends, and family has knocked our socks off! You made such an impact on so many,” wrote the Coltenbaughs on the Eddies Angels Facebook page.
Kate wants Eddie to be remembered as the kind, friendly, and full of laughter boy that touched so many lives.
“He was friends with everybody and just a very funny kid that was never afraid to laugh at himself,” said Kate.
Eddie’s memory has especially remained persistent at the elementary school.
Eddie’s Buddy Bench was installed on the playground last year for anyone to enjoy. Some of his friends also put up posters around the school to remind everyone of Eddie’s special day.
Eddie Coltabaugh left an impact on everyone he met. His presence has been missed by all but will never be forgotten.
Anyone who would like to make a donation so the family can grant another child’s wish in Eddie’s memory, click the link below.
The family’s goal is to raise $10,000 in Eddie’s memory.
https://centregives.org/organizations/161-pixie-dust-wishes
Her laugh, smile, exclamations, and tears, happy and sad, touched us all. The amount of love poured into that day was beautiful, heartwarming, and inspiring. I am so happy that we were able to help her, if even for a moment, through an incredibly difficult day
— Jessica Ellenberger
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