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The Favorite Uncle

Edward Lichtschein had master's degrees in physics and engineering, designed software for eSpeed, and prided himself on solving challenging computer glitches that stumped others. He was also a favorite uncle to nine nieces and nephews, ages 8 to 33.

"He was 35, but in certain ways he was a kid at heart," said Vera Glatt, his sister.

With his older nieces and nephews, Mr. Lichtschein, of Park Slope, Brooklyn, swapped videos and CD's, and critiqued movies, "The Simpsons" and rock music. With the younger ones, he took nature walks in a wildlife preserve behind his brother Mark's home in Teaneck, N.J. Everybody always received cartoon sketches from him parodying family members and family life.

Two cousins, Yoni Glatt, 19, and Avi Lichtschein, 15, have been particularly despondent over his death, Ms. Glatt said. "They were angry at us for accepting it."

Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on October 19, 2001.