Edgar Gintz 93, died Saturday July 13 after a brief illness following an otherwise remarkably vital and productive life. A man of high intellect, he remained completely aware and self-directed up until his admission to TrustBridge Hospice Care the prior Sunday. His love and energy were expressed through the three roles of Patriot, Father and Caregiver.
Edgar Joseph Ludwig Gintz was born in Berlin, Germany on April 13, 1926 to parents Max and Helen Gintz. Edgar, his parents and his sister Ruth lived in Munich until December 1938 when they fled the Holocaust traveling by steamship on the USS Manhattan to NewYork City. He strongly identified with his Jewish heritage and was a stanch supporter of Israel which he visited several times.
Edgar’s first job was that of a ball boy in Germany where a lifelong love of tennis was kindled and which he passed onto his children. His children had the great pleasure of enjoying playing with him into his early 70’s.
After arriving In New York he learned English in school alongside Henry Kissinger and was Bar Mitzvah’d four months after leaving Germany. He had to leave High School to help support the family which he did by delivering newspapers. He was hired by Pilot Radio and streamlined their production of radios for the war effort. Told that he would become part of the Signal Corps he enlisted only to find himself an Army Infantryman. He fought in the Invasion of Leyte and in Mindanao, Philippines and later served in Incheon, Korea. As a proud Veteran he did not discuss his wartime experience but his love of country was unwavering and intense.
After the war Edgar returned to New York where he met and married Anne Sonia Cohen with whom he had three children - David, Robert (Bobby) and Sharon. He worked tirelessly into his 80’s as a self employed tax preparer taking great pride in every penny he was able to save his clients. Aways eager to learn, Edgar was the first tax preparer to use a personal computer in his practice. At 93 years old he mastered the use of an iPod Touch on which he downloaded and listened to audiobooks.
Edgar was devoted and self-sacrificing for those he loved. If you knew Edgar, he knew your birthday and on it you would receive a custom made Edgar Gintz original Greeting Card. He spent his most joyful years with partners Janet Sapinkopf and Paula Mandel. He was a selfless caregiver to Janet during her battle with Alzheimer’s and later to Paula as her advancing age once again brought challenges that he continued to rise to.
Edgar is survived by his children David, Bobby and Sharon Gintz. He is also survived by his grandchildren Michael Gintz, Steven Gintz and Heather Gintz and niece Joan Bouros.
A Memorial Service celebrating Edgar’s life followed by burial will be held on:
Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at 11:45 am
Star of David Memorial Gardens
7701 Bailey Road
North Lauderdale, FL 33068
954-722-9000
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Edgar’s name to either:
TrustBridge Hospice Foundation - Music Therapy Program
or
Smokey Mountain Service Dogs - Provides custom trained mobility assistance service dogs to disabled veterans at no cost to the recipients.
FAMILY
Edgar is survived by his three children, David, Robert(Bobby) and Sharon
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.6