Edward Daniel Wirkman, 90 (February 15, 1933 – August 1, 2023)
Edward Daniel Wirkman was born February 15, 1933, to Emanuel and Gertrude (Neumann), grew up in Jersey City, NJ with his siblings Alvin and Florence, and graduated from Dickinson High School in 1951.
After graduating, Ed worked as a draftsman for Western Electric before enlisting into the US Navy Reserve in 1950. He was activated for duty in May 1952, serving as a navigator’s aide on the USS Quincy during the Korean Conflict. He spent almost 2 years at sea and was released from active duty in March 1954.
In August 1958, Ed married his love, Michele Simone Stone. Ed and Michele bought their dream home in Cliffside Park, NJ to raise their children, Lori, Debra, and Susan. Ed commuted to his job at the Bell Telephone Company in Newark, NJ. As an enterprising young man, he also attended night school at St. Peter’s College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing, and initiated his marketing career at Bell Telephone. The Wirkman family belonged to, and was very active at, Temple Israel, where Ed served as both a Temple officer and the President of the Men’s Club. Ed and Michele loved to take their kids on camping adventures with their pop-up Coleman camper. Michele passed away in 1974.
In the early 1980s, Ed moved to Phoenix, AZ where he worked for Southwest Bell. After retiring in 1986, Ed moved to Maryland, and worked as a certified Property Manager in Montgomery Village. He met Mary Geraldine “Geri” Kopp and the two became close, loving partners. Geri passed away in 1999.
At the time of his death on August 1, 2023, Ed had been living on Maryland’s “The Eastern Shore” for many years and was a longtime member of Temple Bat Yam, Berlin, MD where he participated in Men’s Club activities, religious services, social activities, and holiday celebrations. He met Leslie Segall at the Temple, sharing life together until she passed away in 2017.
As a big music lover, Ed enjoyed attending live musical performances, adored musical theatre and Broadway shows, and delighted in watching musical movies with his family and friends. He always had music playing in his home. He also loved the ocean, travelling, swimming, and playing poker. Ed embraced modern technology -- he was writing his memoirs on his laptop, and he initiated the family’s online family tree. Most of all he loved spending time with family and friends.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Michele, his brother Alvin, his partner Geri, and his partner Leslie. Ed will be lovingly remembered by his sister Florence, daughters Lori (Gary), Debra, and Susan (Greg), grandchildren Sean, Rebecca, Joshua, Simone, great-grandchildren Bryan and Amiyah, plus many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He also held a place in his heart for Geri’s children: Mike, Jenny, Lisa, Jeffrey, and Jason.
Ed lived his very full life “One Day at a Time” and was always available, at the right time, to help those who needed him. He was a chivalrous gentleman - caring, loving, and a true Mensch. His favorite charities are The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and The Alzheimer's Association.
The following events will honor Ed:
Burial with Military Honors, Friday, 18 August 2023, 2 pm EST, Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery- Millsboro 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, Delaware
Religious service and celebration of life, Sunday, 20 August 2023, 2 pm EST, Temple Bat Yam, 11036 Worcester Hwy, Berlin, Maryland