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APTAKER, Edward "Ed" Born in Boston, MA in 1922, and married to Louise Coffey Aptaker from 1948-2004, died February 15, 2017. Ed's deep appreciation of language was evident in his frequent and witty puns and his broad knowledge of the definitions and etymologies of just about any word. He was an avid listener of classical music and a deep reader of Shakespeare and Twain, among others. Ed graduated from Boston Latin School ('39), Harvard College (Class of '43) and Harvard Law School ('48). He served in the Army Air Force during WWII, and later attained the rank of Colonel in the JAG corps of the Air Force Reserves. Ed had a successful legal career in the Maritime Administration of the US Government and later in private practice with Morgan, Lewis and Bockius. Ed eventually formed the Washington, DC law firm Schmeltzer, Aptaker and Sheppard. Ed was predeceased by his wife, Louise, sisters, Bess Portnow and Resa Merrin. He leaves his daughters, Janet Aptaker and Ann Roe, his son-in-law, Justin Roe, and his two granddaughters, Katherine and Elizabeth, and many devoted friends. Ed had an abiding love for and pride in his family, for whom he exemplified generosity, humor and kindness. He lived a scrupulous and honorable life, attaining his oft-stated goal of leaving this earth a better place than he found it. His life celebration will be held from 2- 4:30 on February 25th, at his former residence, Fox Hill Village, 10 Longwood St., Westwood, MA. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made to the ACLU. Brown & Hickey Funeral Home 617-484-2534 617-547-1500
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Uncle Ed was the most generous, loving and understanding man I have ever known. I miss him very much. May he rest in peace and my best wishes and condolences go out to all his family and friends.
Your loving Niece, Jane Merrin Feld
Jane Merrin-Feld
August 3, 2019
To Janet and Ann,
So deeply sorry to learn of this great loss to you and the world. Ed (my uncle) was such a vibrant, energetic, supremely bright, witty and articulate man. He was also kind and generous. His impish humor, stories and breadth of knowledge were duly impressive. My deep sympathy and good wishes go out to you both at this time of grief. You are both in my thoughts. I send you both my love,
Kathryn
Kathryn Portnow
March 1, 2017
Very sad to hear this news. Ed was a dear family friend who will be missed. It truly feels like the end of an era. Janet and Ann your dad was one of the best!
Doran Miller
February 24, 2017
My prayers are with Ed's family. I practiced law with Ed at Morgan Lewis & Bockius and at Schmeltzer, Aptaker, & Sheppard for many years and he was always a great friend. Ira Shepard
February 21, 2017
My sincere condolences to the Aptaker family for the loss of their loved one, may God strengthen you all during this difficult time and may you find comfort through his son Jesus Christ's words found in John 6:40.
February 21, 2017
My condolences to the family. May the pleasant memories you cherish comfort and sustain you in your time of need.
-RM
February 21, 2017
Dear Ann, I was sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I enjoyed meeting him at the Boston Ballet.
Ellen Kroll
February 20, 2017
Dear Ann,
I was so sorry to hear about your father's passing. Please know that you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Much love and light,
Connie
February 20, 2017
Dear Ann and family,
My deepest condolences to you all. I hope all the precious memories will help make the loss of him easier to bear. May he Rest In Peace.
Much love from
Kirsten Hede Brierley
Kirsten Hede Brierley
February 20, 2017
My profound condolences to you Ann and your family. May the loving memories of your beloved father and the prayers/kind words of friends bring peace and comfort you at this difficult time.
Much love,
Roger
Roger Chu
February 20, 2017
MAY THE THOUGHT OF KNOWING THAT FRIENDS AND FAMILY SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF BE OF COMFORT TO YOUR FAMILY.PLEASE READ PROV 17:17
KELLEY
February 20, 2017
I am Ed's niece, his sister's daughter. Of all my relatives, Ed was among the few who were supportive of my artistic ambitions, buying my early paintings when no-one else did, and believed in me. He was warm, and funny and disciplined, and moral. He treated me always as an adult throughout my early life, and helped me think better of myself. He clearly delighted in family, and I am so lucky to have had him as my uncle. Thank you, ED.
February 20, 2017
Janet and Ann,
I know that you both are sad, as anyone who knew your father is, realizing that we will never hear any more of his wonderful stories about his very interesting life, enjoy his supreme intellect and those silly jokes...that were told more than once over the 20+ years that I knew him!
The many hours of walking with your father at the beach in Delray are cherished memories. He was a special human being and I am so lucky to have known him.
Thank you for sharing him with me...Leslie Horenburger
February 20, 2017
Dear Janet, I am so sorry for your loss. Your father sounds like an amazing gentleman! My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. With love, Betsy
Betsy Huysman
February 20, 2017
Hi Ann,
I am so sorry for your loss, I was blessed to have my mom up to the age of 96. She passed away 2weeks ago, so I can relate to what you are going through. Again my sincere condolences.
Blessings,
Marcia B
February 20, 2017
Dear Janet,
We are shocked and saddened to learn about dear Eddie. We will forever remember and miss his warm and caring heart, his sharp wit, and his incredible font of knowledge on any given topic! Attending the Harvard football games with Ernie and Eddie were special events to be sure!
Our Memorial Day and Labor Day pool parties will not be the same without him.
We are grateful and better people for having known your dad. May his love and spirit carry and comfort you.
Fondly,
Janet & Ed Cardoza
Ed and Janet Cardoza
February 19, 2017
As a teenager, I enjoyed a lot of hang time over at the Aptaker's house with my friend Ann and her welcoming family. Ed was curious about me and engaged with me as a person - in other words, he treated me as an adult, which made a big impression on a young woman. I was always tickled that he balanced his love of cookies and chocolate soda with strict sets of sit-ups. I will miss Ed! Much love to Ann, Janet, and the family - Katie Puckrik
February 19, 2017
Hi Janet. So sorry to hear about your Dad. I know how much you loved him, and what a devoted daughter you have been. My condolences to you and you sisters family. Warm regards, Esme
Esme Hecht
February 19, 2017
My deep condolences, Jan, on the loss of your father. What an illustrious career, and what a wonderful daughter. My best to you and your family. May God bless you all in this sorrowful time.
February 19, 2017
February 19, 2017
February 19, 2017
Warm and Heartfelt thoughts during this difficult time. May the true God give you strength to endure as you cope with the sad loss of your beloved Edward.
February 19, 2017
He was truly a wonderful man and the best uncle. I will miss him greatly. All my love, Mary Louse.
Mary Coffey
February 19, 2017
I'm sorry for the loss of your father, Janet and Ann. I will always remember his wit, classical music, convertible, and amazing self discipline.
Karen Bryant
February 19, 2017
May the family hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful life you shared together as you celebrate a wonderful life well lived and loved by family and friends. My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and friends during this difficult time of grief.Psalms 90:10.(GP)GA...
GP
February 19, 2017
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