Edward S Jablonski

I imagine the flyers would have read something like: “Vegas Night in the Parish Hall!” The annual St. Ignatius fundraiser, with its games of chance, might have been held in a room beneath the church on Broadway. The families gathered there knew one another well, crossing paths often in what was then a much smaller Hicksville. It was in this setting, in the early 1960s, that a young Eddie Jablonski began a lifelong study of what he would come to think of as the gospel of probability - lessons not found in parable or verse, but in dice, cards, spinning wheels, and the infinite possibilities of numbers.

It was also here that the eight-year-old found inspiration to open his own casino in the driveway of his home on Pine Street. Various short-sighted authorities forced him to close just before patrons could convert a second week of allowances into a proper bankroll.

Raised in Hicksville, New York, Edward Stephen Jablonski was the first child of Stephen Robert Jablonski and Jacqueline Florence Shade Jablonski. He was a reserved but kind older brother to his younger sister, Karen and brother, Jack. A natural athlete, he enjoyed most sports-particularly those that rewarded skill more than running. When his father once expressed skepticism that his 11-year-old son could complete 100 consecutive push-ups, Eddie set to work. Little by little, he built up to the goal, eventually achieving it. He would later remember this as both a lesson in grit and one of his proudest early accomplishments.

As a young teenager, Ed showed promise on the golf course and caddied at the Muttontown Club. On days when he carried two bags or received a generous tip, he would ride his bike a little farther to Howard Johnson’s and indulge in his favorite burger, priced extravagantly at 45 cents. On less lucrative days, McDonald’s 15 cent burgers, conveniently located along his route home, were more than sufficient.

Ed attended Chaminade High School, riding the train between Hicksville and Mineola. Schooldays also included crossing suburbia’s version of the gauntlet-an open field. There, the uniform-consisting of a dark blazer, collared shirt, and the unmistakable crimson and gold necktie, often attracted unwanted attention from local public school students. Eddie’s solution was simple and effective: walk with a classmate who held state titles in kung fu.

By his mid-teens, Ed was an avid bowler, already winning local tournaments. Once he was old enough to drive, he would sometimes stay out late at whichever lanes were hosting the action. The contrast between the structured routines of a conservative Catholic school and the energy of the bowling alleys was not lost on him, and by his senior year, he had developed a clear preference for the latter.

At 16, he met Charlene Alimena, who had grown up just a few blocks away on Elm Street. Her creativity and warmth complemented him perfectly. They were married in 1973 at St. Ignatius. Eddie went on to bowl competitively on the Professional Bowlers Association Tour for several years in the 1970s. Charlene, his biggest fan, often traveled with him, chasing tournaments and opportunities throughout the country.

By the early 1980s, the couple had two young children and chose a home on a corner lot in Brentwood. The large driveway was perfect for their next venture: a coffee truck. Long before food trucks were trendy, they rose early to prepare hot food in their small kitchen. Mornings were a blur of activity-prep, pack, load, clean up. Eddie would head out early and return late. It wasn’t long before the truck gained a following, but the long hours were unsustainable, and he sold the business after a few years.

Ed began his next chapter with DHL Worldwide Express as a courier delivering to lower Manhattan, including the Twin Towers. He was soon promoted to supervisor and later served many years as Manager of Service Operations for Long Island City. He was never aggressive or self-promoting, but he was steady, reliable, and easygoing. He often said that good managers didn’t have to do all that much managing. He believed people worked best, and made fewer mistakes, when they were well trained and given some autonomy. Under his leadership, his teams were consistently among the most productive and most satisfied in the region.

Most weekends, Eddie could be found with a tee time at Brentwood or Bethpage. His pre-round breakfast was always the same: two sunny-side-up eggs, bacon, and buttered toast, carefully rationed so that each bite had just the right amount of yolk - a small ritual he treated like an art form. The Bethpage Black Course was his favorite. He was drawn to difficult courses and to players whose skill surpassed his own, though they could be difficult to find.

For a few summers in the early 1990s, Eddie lived the dream of captaining a Sea Ray, complete with a small cabin and flying bridge. Out on the mostly calm waters of the Great South Bay, he taught his kids to find bluefish where “the birds are working.” These were also the years he took on many coaching roles in softball, baseball, and golf. He holds the honor of having coached more games in the ‘Ceivers and ‘Fenders Football League than anyone else in history-a record unlikely to be broken.

In the aftermath of September 11, Eddie and Charlene chose to leave the icy windshields and uncertain economy of Long Island for new opportunities in Las Vegas. The gospel of probability was calling him to the holy land.

In the early 2000s, and under the right conditions, a disciplined blackjack player could gain a slight edge over the house through careful mental calculations-an irresistible opportunity. Eddie was among the few who could say they beat the odds in Las Vegas. For a brief time, Ed was part of that rare group, now a fading chapter of history, perhaps waiting to be rediscovered by another curious mind. He applied his talents to a wide range of pursuits over the years, from sandwiches to real estate. Not all were successful, but few things matched the enthusiasm he brought to a venture.

The unexpected passing of Charlene in 2017 left him adrift. She had been by his side for more than 40 years, his partner and his greatest support, and her loss marked a dark and uncertain time. Just before her death, he had been diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer. He changed some habits and, following radiation treatment, made a full recovery.

In time, Ed relocated to a golf community for seniors. He stayed busy, playing regularly, using the gym and pool, and gradually getting to know those around him. Though never one to seek the spotlight, he made the effort to reach out in his own way. Those who came to know him appreciated his dry humor, intelligence, and unmistakable quirks. He was among the few who could still “shoot his age” in some rounds, something he was too modest to celebrate.

He took great pride in becoming “Pop Pop,” a role he embraced happily. He made regular trips back to New York to celebrate birthdays and be with his growing family. He was a patient and playful grandfather - happily sitting still while his granddaughter styled his hair, and finding joy in the simple act of being present. His influence will continue to be felt in their home, in ways both big and small, and it will be interesting to see which of his traits live on in his grandchildren.

Edward Stephen Jablonski, Sr. passed away on April 15 in Las Vegas at the age of 73. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Charlene, and his parents, Stephen and Jacqueline. He is survived by his brother Jack; his sister Karen; his daughter Debra; his son Edward Jr.; his daughter-in-law Amanda; and his cherished grandchildren, Adelyn Charlene, Benjamin Edward, and Nathan Richard Jablonski.

He will be missed.