Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Edward Tancer Obituary
Palm Beach Gardens - In Memoriam
Edward F. Tancer, 59 years old Born April 20, 1961 of Palm Beach Gardens, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 22nd .
Ed leaves behind his loving family whom he adored, wife, Susan Kellman Tancer, son, Harrison, daughter Leah and family dog Charlie O'Malley. He is survived by his beloved father and mother, Martin and Sheila Tancer; brother Bill (Erika); sister-in-law Judy Leibovit; brother-in-law David Kellman (Lisa); nieces and nephews, Shanna, Elissa, Taylor, Lilly, and Houston; and mother-in-law, Ann Leibovit along with numerous uncles, aunts and cousins.
Ed also leaves behind his family at the Gunster law firm, where he has practiced law since 2011. Prior to working with Gunster he served as General Counsel for Nextera Energy, Inc. where he also leaves behind numerous former colleagues who he shared deep friendships with.
Our community has lost a great leader and humanitarian. Friends and business leaders across the state describe Ed as an altruistic, selfless giver who understood the immense impact of a good deed.
Ed woke up every morning with the thought "who can I help today?" and he would put his thought into action and deliver. Countless individuals and organizations have thrived and succeeded because of his genuine desire to bring joy to others.
Among the organizations that he gave of his time and talent are the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, Quantum House, Place of Hope and The Lord's Place all of which were near and dear to him. Other organizations in which he was instrumental in making a difference include the American Heart Association, Bella's Angels, the Children's Home Society of Florida, Gulf Stream Council/Boy Scouts of America, The Honda Classic, The Children's Healthcare Charity and United Way of Palm Beach County.
As a business leader, Ed had an innate ability to connect with people. As a professional, he was more than a lawyer, he was a business advisor, a counselor, a mentor but most of all a friend. He shared his wise counsel over coffee or breakfast at his favorite spot, The Lazy Loggerhead in Jupiter, where they named a dish, "Uncle Eddie's Favorite" after him. He lunched with his colleagues and friends leaving no stone unturned in accomplishing his goal of helping others along the way.
Ed was born in West Palm Beach, Florida. He was a proud Floridian and an avid Gator fan. A "Double Gator," Ed graduated from the University of Florida with both his undergraduate and law degrees. His desire to give back led him to active involvement in organizations including Leadership Florida, the Florida Chamber Foundation, the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County and the Palm Beach County North Chamber. His success in business was not just a result of his involvement in these organizations, but the relationships he developed and his passion for making his community a better place.
Ed was an avid golfer and belonged to prestigious clubs around the country. He absolutely loved the game and never had a bad day on the golf course. One of his greatest joys was in planning his many golf trips and inviting his closest friends to join him. He traveled to Scotland annually to play golf and made trips to his favorite clubs in the Northeast. His home course was Old Marsh Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens.
Nothing gave Ed greater pride than his children Harrison and Leah. He loved sharing their accomplishments with friends and colleagues and would stop any meeting to take their phone call. He adored his wife, Susan and was so proud of her work as a successful artist. She was by his side through countless business dinners and they were partners in life.
Ed loved life. He loved his family, his friends and his colleagues. He was a bright light in the world and will be greatly missed for his generous spirit and his booming laugh.
A Shiva memorial service for friends and family will be held outside on Wednesday, November 25th at 5:00 p.m. at Florida Power & Light (FPL) Parking Lot A, 700 Universe Blvd, Juno Beach, FL 33408.
A community celebration will be forthcoming and additional details will be made public on Facebook.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: Bella's Angels, Potentia Academy or The Education Foundation of Palm Beach County.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edward Tancer
Joan Tancer
November 18, 2024
Ed. I will always remember your kindness and your tremendous capacity for love. May you rest in peace. I´m grateful for the times we spent together. Joanie.
Joan Tancer
November 18, 2023
Dear Susan, Leah and Harrison. And to all the family. Eddie left a lasting impression on my life. His kindness and his love for people was truly a gift. I will always remember him and be grateful I met Eddie. He was very special. Joanie Tancer
Chuck Gerba
November 18, 2021
It's so very hard to believe that we are coming up on a year without Ed in our lives.
He truly changed our lives by knowing him and his incredible generosity, huge heart and kind soul!
Ed Tancer is one of the finest human beings I've ever known.
I miss him terribly!!!!
Rest in piece my dear friend!
Dana Luvera
February 8, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. May you feel the presence of his spirit by your side every day, until you again. Peace and comfort, Dana L. (Friend of Bill T.)
Karen Gerba
December 29, 2020
We just found out Ed passed today. We loved him and in shock. He was a wonderful man
Chuck Gerba
December 29, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Michael A Schlanger
December 11, 2020
In late August 1990, I was retained by FPL to take over the
prosecution of a major antitrust case that was moving rapidly to trial. I knew nothing about the company, the case, the issues or the particular court. When I arrived in Juno, the first person I met was Ed Tancer, then a very young lawyer with the company. It was attorney-client love at first site, the beginning of many years' collaboration on difficult, fast-paced matters across the State of Florida. From day one, I was struck by Ed's many qualities of head and heart, his love of the law, his passion for the company, his work ethic (meaning his boundless energy and enthusiasm for tackling the problems at hand), his intellectual curiosity (to absorb, embrace and master the issues), his collegiality, specifically the care and attention he paid to human relations with the large casts of characters he had to deal with on so many difficult, pressing matters. In a sentence, Ed was kind, compassionate and funny. I was particularly struck by how much he cared for his staff members, and how much they cared for him--starting with his wonderful secretary, Dottie Graston, whose kind words I see written on this site. For four years, I talked to Ed most every day, and travelled with him all across Florida, often to meet with not-so-FPL-friendly adversaries in the smallest of small towns, folks who would try the souls of the most patient, ego-absorbent lawyers. Ed never lost his temper, never lost his cool, always kept his focus. And Ed always was striving to learn, in substantive areas of the law, in the best strategy and tactics for different situations. I was 18 years Ed's senior, and having a mentor-mentee relationship was very meaningful. As much as Ed loved the law, his greatest professional passion was for the business side of practice, to be a big contributor to the well-being of the enterprise, which happened to be the largest company in the State of Florida. So it was heartwarming to see Ed rise all the way to the General Counsel position, where, among many things, he helped chart the course for the company's future, to what became NextEra. Ed and I (and Pat Bryan and others) also shared a love of sports, both as participants and as fans. One of my few regrets was not joining Ed, Pat and others for Saturday morning basketball games. But all of them were 15-20 years younger than me, and many inches taller, and, with a wife and three young sons, I could not afford to risk serious injury. Finally, Ed's most striking virtue was his love for Susan and his children. I never met his children, but I had many meals over the years with Ed and Susan. Their boundless love affair was a beautiful thing to behold. In mid-November, along with my life partner, Elizabeth, I decided to drive from Washington to Palm Beach for ten days' vacation. The one person I wanted to introduce Liz to was Ed. And then, the very day we got on the road, I learned of Ed's tragic passing. Ed left us much too soon, but his life brought so much meaning to so many people, including all of you who I just met on this site. Blessings to you all, Michael A. Schlanger
Stacey A Giulianti
December 3, 2020
Such a tremendous loss! He was an incredible lawyer and local humanitarian, and I worked with him on several projects over the many years. I am shocked at his sudden passing, and my deepest sympathies and condolences go out to his friends and family. May he rest in peace.
Joe Danek
December 2, 2020
So said to hear about the passing away of Ed. Such a nice / caring person. I worked with Ed at FPL, who always provided sound advice and a privilege to work with. Ed is in my prayers . My sincere condolences to the Tancer family.
Shelly Cintron
November 29, 2020
My deepest condolonces to the Tancer family. I am the sponsor of the Winner's Club at C.O. Taylor/Kirklane Elementary and Mr. Tancer sponsored all the children who were a part of the Winner's Club at our school. I had the pleasure of meeting him at our selection committees for our scholarship winners, he was a very giving individual and always had a smile to share with everyone around him. He always attended the Winner's ceremonies and the winner kids were always so grateful for his sponsorship. He will be missed greatly by all the kids he helped obtain a higher education:)
Jay Molyneaux
November 29, 2020
I knew Ed for the entire time je was at Next era Energy. I genuinely liked him. One memory sticks out in my mind. Ed always talked of his children whenever I saw him outside of work. One day he walked into my office and said"I need a favor." I said I would be glad to do if it was legal. He was the chairman of the United Way at FPL that year and he had won a drawing for two tickets to a Panther Hockey game. The tickets included the team plane; a hotel room and dinner at Ruths Chris' Steak house and a flight home with the team. He said he could not go. I told him I would be very happy to go. He said "well there are two tickets for everything." It turned out that Ed knew of my then 8 year old grandson's passion for hockey and the Panthers. He wanted to be sure Aaron got a REAL hockey trip. Aaron still gets excited when he and I speak of it. It is one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me. That was Ed. Always seeking a way to do something nice for another person. I will miss him until I join him again. I try to be as nice as He was.
Dave & Haley Lombardo
November 29, 2020
Susan - we’re Cathy’s friends across the street and are so sorry to hear this morning of Ed’s passing. Prayers are with you the weeks & months ahead. Our deepest condolences.
Joan Tancer
November 27, 2020
I feel so blessed to have had the chance to meet my cousin Eddie. We grew up in different parts of the USA But now that I’m in florida half the year I reached out to him several years ago. What I remember most is that Eddie made me feel like an important person in his life. I loved the dinners we had with him and Susan. I got to meet Charlie O’Mally. And see his home. I feel so lucky for the time we spent together. I will always remember my cousin for his kindness and his enormous heart. He adored Susan and Leah and Harrison and I pray they will always feel his love. I will miss you my cousin. Till we meet again. Joanie.
Ed Bowman
November 27, 2020
My friendship with Ed dates back to 1988, when he was a young attorney at FPL. Our offices were next to each other and we became friends, sharing our love for the Gators. On January 4, 2002, he showed up at my office door, with a look on his face that said the world is ending, he let me know Steve Spurrier had resigned. When he took over as General Counsel, he hired me as the department’s Budgeting and Accounting Manager. I was so blessed to have worked for him. He will always be in my thoughts and prayers. My sincere condolences go out the the entire Tancer family.
K Michael (Mike) Davis
November 26, 2020
My most sincere condolences on Ed’s passing. I had the privilege of working with Ed for many years at FPL Group and Florida Power & Light. He was incredibly low key but very competent in everything he did. I know I feel a significant sense of loss on his passing. K. M. (Mike) Davis
Andrew Kushner
November 26, 2020
Sincere condolences to the Tancer family. Ed gave freely of his time and I know so many, myself included, appreciated time with him. He will be missed by the community and all he touched.
Jim Perry
November 26, 2020
I have wonderful memories of my golfing expeditions with Ed. He was a true gentleman...golfer, and I will miss him.
Jennifer Malin Reiser
November 25, 2020
My family is sending our heartfelt condolences to his parents, wife and children. I have very happy memories of spending time together when we were kids with our grandparents.
Michael Kohner
November 25, 2020
Eddie was such a mensch. I served on several charitable boards with him over the years and always shared our love for the Florida Gators!!! Ed was the one person who always got things done to better our community!!! He will be sorely missed. My heartfelt condolences to Susan, Harrison and Leah.
Dottie Graston
November 25, 2020
I was Ed's secretary for over 10 years at FPL/Nextera Energy. He was a great boss and friend and such a fun person to work for. Lots of good memories of him and his smile. He dearly loved Susan, Leah and Harrison. My heart goes out to them. He is gone way too young.
Corey Saban
November 25, 2020
Ed was a real mensch. An all-around great guy who will be deeply missed. I enjoyed our thoughtful conversations, loved his willingness to want to make a difference and his legacy of giving is etched in mind. Love to Susan and his wonderful family.
Melissa & Mario Bellomo
November 25, 2020
My husband and I met Ed in 2011 when he joined the Outpost Club. We had the pleasure of playing golf with Ed on many memorable occasions. Ed had a contagious laugh, zest for life, compassion for others and a generous spirit that made you want to be a better person. Ed will be missed by the Outpost Club family.
Mary Lou Kromer
November 25, 2020
I am so glad that I got to know and spend time with Ed as a business colleague and a friend. He was a bright and thoughtful lawyer. He was a model of how to treat others with respect. He had the attitude of "how can I help you" vs "how can you help me." It was so evident how much he loved Susan, Harrison and Leah. He was so proud of each one of them. He was a really special person. Lanny and I send our heartfelt condolences to Susan, Harrison and Leah.
Larry Kelleher
November 25, 2020
I was fortunate to know Ed from his early years at FPL through his later days at Nextera. Ed was truly a very nice man that was always a pleasure to be around and talk to. Ed had to many outstandingly attributes to list but several of which I personally appreciated were he was always upbeat, laughed and smiled a lot, willing to help and never had a bad word to say about anyone. Ed will be truly missed by all who knew him.
He was truly “ a really nice person”
My sympathy and prayers go out to Ed’s great family that I know he loved and cherished as he would always speak of them with pride and in glowing ways.
Patti Lucas
November 25, 2020
To the Tancer Family,
Mr. Tancer was a kind and caring man. He supported his alma mater, C.O.Taylor/Kirklane and helped so many children in need both through the Winners Scholarship and the Education Foundation. He will be missed. Patti Lucas
Brad Goldstein
November 25, 2020
Ed was a mensch. Helpful, friendly, a wonderful person. Our heartfelt condolences to Susan, Harrison and Leah.
John Manrique
November 24, 2020
My wife Michelle and I were two people who were blessed with Ed’s kindness and friendship. When we opened Revolutions Cycling Studio years ago, he was such a great supporter. One of our fondest memories was hosting a fundraiser with him at the studio. Such a kind soul, warm sense of humor and genuine human being. Our thoughts are with his family, and our lives better for knowing him. Bless you, Ed.
Jennifer Pease
November 24, 2020
Our sincerest condolences to the Tancer families.
RIP Eddie.
Ziegler family
November 24, 2020
Ed was truly a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of working with him and noticed he treated everyone he met with kindness and caring. The world has suffered a loss with his passing and my family’s prayers are with his family. Rest In Peace Ed, we will all miss you.
Sharon Merchant
November 24, 2020
My condolences to Ed's family and friends. What a super nice person.
Jonathan Mann
November 24, 2020
My condolences to Ed’s family and friends. Ed was a mensch. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and share his knowledge with others, including young lawyers. He will be missed. May his memory be a blessing.
Jeffrey Lehman
November 24, 2020
I met Ed in early 1990’s while doing work for Fpl. Never met a person who loved life as he did. We always Talked about family and his love for them always came through. Never met with Ed when he didn’t have a smile or we. Had some laughs.
He will be missed by everyone who knew him, which is probably half the state of Florida.
Loved Ed and will be thankful for knowing him over the years
Jeff Lehman
Laurie Christenson Koeck
November 24, 2020
I attended Conniston & John I Leonard with Eddie. He was such a genuinely kind person. The world will be a smaller place without him in it. I loved reading his posts about Charlie O'Malley and his wife and children. And it is always wonderful to know another Gator fan. All of the wonderful work he did helping others....inspiring always. My deepest condolences to the family..
Ellen Runyon
November 24, 2020
Many of us grew up with Eddie. Kirklane, Connistan, JIL, Temple Beth El , Palm Springs. I stayed in touch and shared in his love of UF, and Bella’s Angels. Eddie had the biggest heart. He will be missed by so many people. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Susan, Leah, and Harrison, and entire Tancer family. RIP Eddie!
Rhonda Kotick
November 24, 2020
I met Eddie in the first grade. We were in every class together through senior year when we to different colleges. He showed me how to skip Hebrew school without getting in trouble. His passion for his family was always foremost. I will miss seeing pictures of him in his pastel golf wear and his unique way he would always say happy Birthday to me every year. Heartfelt condolences to Susan, Leah, Harrison and all his family. May his life be for a blessing. So many of us are better people because of him.
Mary pick
November 24, 2020
May you Rest In Peace and know that the world is a better place because of you
carol Roberts
November 24, 2020
My condolences and heartfelt thoughts go out to you Susan and your children and family. Sending love to all!
Showing 1 - 40 of 40 results
Make a Donation
in Edward Tancer's name
Memorial Events
for Edward Tancer
How to support Edward's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Edward Tancer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
