Edmund Henry Polonitza

1943 - 2020

POLONITZA, Edmund Henry, 77, of Charlottesville, passed away on Monday, December 21, 2020, with his daughters at his side.

Edmund was born on February 18, 1943, in Bayonne, New Jersey, to the late Edmund and Margaret Mackin Polonitza. In addition to his parents, Edmund was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Chellie Polonitza; and his sister, Patricia.

Edmund is survived by daughter, Neely Slocum, her husband, Josh and beloved granddaughter, Chellie Slocum, all of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.; daughter, Nancy Polonitza of Harrisonburg; sister, Nancy Polonitza and husband, Colin; and brother, Richard Polonitza and wife, Greta.

Ed was a graduate of St. Peter's College. He served 32 years in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve, retiring from the Reserve as a Colonel. He completed two tours of duty in Vietnam. His assignments there included Parachute Infantryman, Platoon Leader in the 1st Calvary Division and Company Commander in the 101st Airborne Division. Ed was Platoon leader in the 82nd Airborne Division in the Dominican Republic and was Chief of Staff of the 80th Reserve Division. He was also an instructor at the U.S. Army Mountain Ranger Camp and an Assistant Professor of Military Science at UVA.

His military awards include the Legion of Merit, three Bronze Star Medals, three Meritorious Service Medals, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Air Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with eight Campaign Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Parachute Badge and Army Ranger Tab.

After completing 14 years in active duty, Ed enrolled in Colgate Darden School of Business Administration at University of Virginia, where he received his MBA. He then joined Reynolds Metals, where he became Vice President for Development and Strategic Planning. As a part of this position, he was responsible for executing a number of acquisitions and divestitures for the company. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of Reynolds Aluminum Company of Canada.

In retirement, Ed served as the president of the Reynolds Retiree Association. He was also an adjunct professor of Business Policy and Strategy at the University of Richmond and taught ESL classes for many years. He also co-authored the book Honor and Courage, which was the history of Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion Airborne and 8th Cavalry in combat operations in Vietnam.

A burial with full military honors will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.