Edward John Tackels

TACKELS, EDWARD JOHN 91, of Tavares and a former resident of Errol Estates in Apopka passed away on March 16, 2009. He is preceded in death by his wife, Ruth. Edward is survived by one son, Robin of Tavares. Edward was born on June 21, 1917 in Paterson, NJ and graduated from James Monroe High School in New York City. Shortly thereafter he was employed as an accountant for The Home Insurance Co until early 1941 when drafted into the U.S. Army Air Force. As a soldier with the 33rd Fighter Group he was active in both the African and Italian invasions before transferring to the 3rd Photographic Group. He was awarded two Presidential Citations along with both silver and oak leaf clusters. He was discharged in June 1945 as a Technical Sergeant holding the rank of Sergeant Major with the award of the Bronze Star. Immediately following on July 7, 1945 he married Ruth I.
Falkiner of Maywood, NJ. He was also employed by IBM in their Service Bureau Division. He subsequently was promoted to SBC Manager in Philadelphia, North Jersey and NYC downtown offices. In 1960 he accepted a position as a Sales Representative in the Washington, D.C. office, responsible for service to several government agencies, Foreign Service offices and Federal Credit Unions. He and Ruth
attended the Inaugural Ball for both President Lyndon Johnson in 1965 and Richard Nixon in 1973. In August 1973, after 28 years of service, he accepted early retirement. He continued offering and selling services to various business establishments until 1982 when he and Ruth moved to Florida and settled at Errol Estates. Edward was always very active in sports, having played baseball in High School and in semi-pro ball. In swimming, he was a former president of the Interclub Country Club Swimming Association in the Washington, D.C. area. He was an ardent bowler and golfer for many years. He was a member of both the Bethesda Country Club and Errol Estates Country Club for over 20 years in each, never missing an opportunity of competing in special events. He was active over the years in both community and church affairs. He enjoyed playing Bridge and participating in various social events. Edward and Ruth had been married 61 years and during this period had a very active and beautiful life together. They enjoyed traveling and visited Canada, Alaska, Mexico, South America and Europe. Interment of both Ruth and Ed will be at the Florida National Cemetery, Columbarium 2, Bushnell, FL. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Steverson Hamlin & Hilbish
Funeral Home, Tavares, FL. Online condolences may be left for the family through our website www.SteversonHamlin Hilbish.com