Edward Paul Wizniak

Ed was a loving son, kind cousin, and devoted friend to all he met. He enjoyed meeting new people, especially those younger than he, as he said they kept him feeling youthful. His gregarious personality made him fun to be around.

Born in Chicago to Ukrainian immigrant parents, Mother Lucille Budna Wizniak and Father Paul Wizniak (both residing in Heaven), he grew up in Miami, Florida, and graduated with an Engineering degree from The University of Miami.

Ed was most proud of his achievements working for the National Transportation Safety Board investigating airplane crashes all over the world. His detailed documentation has been donated to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s annex at Washington Dulles International Airport in the Chantilly area of Fairfax County, Virginia. Ed also was mentioned in the book, Flight 232: A Story of Disaster and Survival, by Laurence Gonzales

Ed lived in Springfield, Virginia outside of Washington, D.C. in his lovely condo that he referred to as his “chicken coop-ay.”

Ed was known for his Christmas “epistles” which he sent yearly documenting his many “adventures.” He traveled to Ukraine to visit his Old World family, Lake Gananoque to fish, the Rocky Mountains for train trips, Florida to visit family and friends, and Texas to celebrate Christmas and Ukrainian Christmas.

Ed was smart, loved to learn and kept up with current events and politics. He was a movie buff and toured museums in every city he visited (sometimes more than once).

Ed loved his cars. Old friends will remember driving with him in his red Ford convertible and newer friends will remember his Mercury “bathtub.”

His favorite pastime was going to the American Legion Hall Post 176 In Springfield for breakfast with old and new friends. He frequented his favorite restaurants, eating crabs at Sandgates in Maryland, lobsters at Kilroy’s in Springfield and Italian food at Fratelli’s. He loved Texas BBQ, sushi anywhere he could get it, and, of course, wine at happy hour.

Though he suffered many health issues, he never complained, always moving forward to his next interesting and fun “adventure.”

Ed never missed an opportunity to recognize the efforts of his helpers. Many thanks to his special assistants at Elance, kind caregivers, devoted drivers, and scribes.

Ed is survived by many friends and family members who will miss him dearly.

Let’s all raise a glass to Ed. “Nostrovia!”

A liturgy will be celebrated on Saturday, May 4th at 10:30 a.m. at the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family, 4250 Harewood Rd. NE Washington, DC 20017. A lunch reception will follow at Eleni's Greek Taverna, 6131 Backlick Rd, Springfield, VA 22150-2637. Committal will be celebrated on Friday, May 10, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Flagler Memorial Park, 5301 W Flagler St. Miami, Florida 33134.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family, payable to UCNS Holy Family at 4250 Harewood Road NE, Washington, DC 20017 or the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mother Ukrainian Catholic Church 5301 W Flagler St., Miami, Florida 33134.