Edward J Berliner

Edward Berliner was born in the decade prior to World War 2. He was raised in Astoria Queens,
and was a child of that great generation and of nearby New York City. He was indeed a child of a
certain generation that appreciated hard work, honesty, a little sleight of hand here and there, and
keeping your mouth shut and your ears open. His years growing up in the City provided quite the
education, which was later passed on to his son.
One evening at a roller skating rink, he met a young lady named Angela. He so impressed her
with his skating skills that she fell for the dark-haired young man with which she shared a
passion for motorcycles. They married, had a son they named Edward Jr., and the odyssey began.
He served his country honorably in the US Army for almost 30 years, traveling the world and
running the show as a Master Sargent. He was constantly involved in helping local charities, and
aiding in the careers of numerous fellow soldiers. As one good friend recounted, "he was like the
Godfather to us all".
The years for he and his family in South Florida began in the mid 70's, when gas was cheap and
so were housing prices. It was also the time when those orange trees in the front yard were
plentiful and always picked clean. Thus kicked in a life filled with adventures, excellent stories,
and the occasional sunburn. Not raised as a sports fan, both he and his wife were reined in by his
sportscasting son to become fans of the Dolphins, Marlins, Panthers, and for a spell every
Orange Bowl game every year no matter who played. He, Angela and their friends were
mainstays in the pre-game parking lot, and as you might imagine, much libation was poured by
all.
Edward, who by then was known as "Senior" or "Big Ed", was at times the best damn friend you
could have, or the guy you never wanted to cross. Thankfully, his son met more of the good side.
He was a loyal friend, a man who never stopped at his craft, and who was a demanding Father
who quite often never understood why his son couldn't get a "real job" and insisted on being a
broadcaster and entertainer. He finally caught on years later when in studio during a national
broadcast and finally saw his kid in action. Yes, a few beers were had that evening after the fact.
One constant was his love of animals, especially dogs. To this day, there is a cast iron statue of
his first dog named Mickey that still wears the original collar he had on in the 40's. A love of
beagles started things out, later turning to a love affair with Norwegian Elkhounds. Zeus and
Gunnar were his boys, both leaving huge holes in his heart that were filled when his son kept the
tradition with Magnus and Broder. He was never happier, more at ease, and more filled with joy
than when he was surrounded by his family and the puppies.
Easter Sunday 2025 was one of those days, where he was presented a perfect holiday meal by the
lovely Lady Shannon, and was laughing with Broder and Bailey. It was, for him, the perfect
moment.
Sgt. Edward Berliner was given his final salute 28 April 2025. His family was there, talking to
him, telling stories, remembering good times and telling him "we got it from here". As you read
this, his face is being licked by Gunnar, Zeus, Magnus, Peanuts, Snooper, Digger and others in
his 4-legged circle, holding hands and kissing his Lady Angela once again, and without question
already finding old and new friends to tell his stories.
There are so many stories to tell. Suffice to say for the moment, the only one we can think of are
those magical moments spent with him in these last few days and weeks. He was, and will
always be loved, by those he touched over a long and fascinating lifetime. He will especially be
missed by Ed, Shannon, Bailey, Broder, and his circle of tight and admiring friends who already
are smiling again at the tales of yore.
Dad, we love you. We'll hold you close for the rest of our lives, and your lessons taught will be a
backbone for what remains in our years.
Every morning at 8:20am, your son will look at the clock and expect that phone to ring. It won't,
but I will know you're there right alongside me.
Here's to you, pop. Your little boy misses you so much, and thanks life for giving us the time we
had.