He served honorably during WWII as a bomber pilot. Following his military service he served on the Cincinnati Fire Department for 30 years before retiring as Captain in 1977.
Family members include his children Erwin (Yolanda), Mark and Lisa (Steve) all of Jacksonville, Florida, brother Melvin (Ginnie) of Cincinnati, Ohio and 3 grandchildren John, Joan and Rachael.
He is predeceased by his wife Irene (nee Edwards) Eckstein and sister Marilyn.