Edward Kostyra is best known as the father of the famous businesswoman and media personality, Martha Stewart. Though he lived a private life, his impact on Martha’s career and life is undeniable. In this article, we’ll learn more about Edward, his family, and how he influenced his daughter.
Quick Facts About Edward Kostyra
| Full Name | Edward Rudolph Kostyra |
| Birthdate | August 21, 1911 |
| Occupation | Pharmaceutical salesman |
| Husband/Wife | Martha Ruszkowski Kostyra (m. 1939–2007) |
| Died | 1979 |
| Age | Passed away at around 68 years old |
| Parents | Frank Kostyra and Helen Krukar |
| Grandchildren | Alexis Stewart, Sophie Martha Herbert, Christopher Dylan Herbert, Charlie Plimpton |
| Children | Laura Plimpton (Daughter), Frank Kostyra (Son), Martha Stewart (Daughter), George Christiansen (Son), Eric Scott (Son), Kathryn Evans (Daughter) |
| Net Worth | <$1 million |
Early Life and Background
Edward Rudolph Kostyra was born on August 21, 1911, in New York. His parents, Frank Kostyra and Helen Krukar, were both Polish-born. Edward learned early on the lessons of hard work and discipline, lessons that he would maintain throughout his life.
Career and Family Life
Edward spent most of his working life as a pharmaceutical sales representative. Martha Ruszkowski was the woman Edward married, and she bore him six children. Their firstborn child was Martha, whom they gave birth to on August 3, 1941, in Jersey City, New Jersey. The family moved to Nutley, New Jersey, when Martha was around three years old.
Edward and his wife were both Polish in descent, and they taught their children strongly in the tradition and sense of family. Financial difficulties were part of their life, but still, the family managed to scrape together what was needed. They made use of their garden often, exchanged items, and even sold muskrat pelts for money.
A Strict and Demanding Father
Edward was a strict and demanding father. He expected a lot from his children and ensured they worked hard to achieve it. He instilled in them how to be independent and hardworking. For instance, the Kostyra children had to paint their own rooms and even create their own clothing.
Martha Stewart frequently discussed her father’s perfectionism. He demanded the best from his children, particularly her. She stated that he was also very fussy about her and thought of her as his favorite child. Her strict upbringing prepared Martha to become the diligent and prosperous woman she would grow up to be.
Edward’s Influence on Martha
Martha Stewart has always attributed her father with the importance of hard work and perfection. Edward was a man of doing things correctly. His perfectionist nature rubbed off on Martha’s own way of living and business. She still frequently speaks of how her father educated her to be the best at everything that she would do, whether that involved gardening, cooking, or home renovations.
One of the greatest things Martha learned from her father was how to garden and can food. Edward loved gardening, and he instilled this hobby in Martha. She has built an empire based on home and garden over the years, and much of what she knows stems from her father’s instructions.
Family Struggles and Conflicts
In spite of the affection and teachings Edward provided, tensions existed within the family as well. Edward had a strained relationship with Martha’s initial husband, Andrew Stewart. During Martha’s announcement of engagement in 1961, Edward responded vehemently. She later explained the way he slapped her and delineated his prejudiced opinions regarding Andrew, who belonged to Jewish heritage. This detail was presented in Martha’s 2024 Netflix documentary, Martha, in which she reminisces about her complicated relationship with her father.
Edward’s strictness was not limited to his parenting. He also had financial struggles, and his children were made to contribute in any manner they could. This involved working diligently at home and contributing to the household, either by bartering or maintaining the garden.
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Edward Kostyra’s Legacy
Edward Kostyra died in 1979, but his legacy lived on through his children, particularly Martha. His instructions regarding discipline, hard work, and perfectionism influenced Martha Stewart’s style of life and business. His legacy can be seen in how she operates her empire even to this day. Although Edward was stern and not perfect, he contributed significantly to Martha’s success.
