Edward F Litke

Edward F. Litke, known to his friends as Eddie, passed away on October 6, 2024, at the age of 72. Born on February 17, 1952, in Jersey City, Eddie lived a full life filled with laughter, adventure, and cherished memories.

Growing up, Eddie attended OLC Grammar School, where he was active in Little League softball Team. He also belonged to a Polish folk dance group that performed Traditional Polish Dances. He spent countless hours with neighborhood friends playing stickball, pitching pennies, riding bicycles, and making snow castles in the parking lot, staying out late until the streetlights came on. Those carefree days in downtown Jersey City were cherished memories for him.

After graduating from grammar school, Eddie earned a full scholarship to Power Memorial Academy in New York City. It was here that he discovered his passion for music. He played the drums, not only in the marching band who participated in many famous New York City parades, but also performed in the concert orchestra at NYC’s Lincoln Center. Eddie’s musical talents extended to playing the clarinet and his favorite, the harmonica. He also was a member in a Polka Band playing the drums at parties, weddings, and celebrations.

After high school, he attended St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, where he joined clubs like archery, fencing, and snow skiing. He later transferred his credits to the University of Detroit and pursued a degree in civil engineering. Eddie ultimately graduated with a BS in aerospace engineering from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. He worked as a contract engineer for major companies like Pratt & Whitney, Lockheed Martin, and GE, with jobs that took him to Texas, Massachusetts, New Orleans and even offshore oil rigs along the coast of Louisiana.

Eddie loved to travel. Right after high school, he visited France and later embarked on a memorable month-long bicycle trip through China. While he didn’t enjoy flying, he preferred to take the train for his travels within the United States, visiting ski destinations like Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, Park City and Jackson Hole.

Eddie was also a skilled carpenter, earning his carpentry certification from the District Council of Carpenters at just 15 years old and joining the Hudson County Carpenter Apprentice Committee in 1971. His hobbies included woodworking, woodcarving, stained glass creations, and drawing. He had a fondness for old movies, classic TV shows, and vintage cars, with his first car being a 1949 Dodge. He also collected a 1967 Cadillac and a 1982 Ford Bronco, which he proudly drove for over 30 years.

Eddie always wished for a brother but was stuck with three sisters: Janice Litke, Theresa Cook, and Dolores Gregory (and her husband Bill). His favorite childhood memories were spent with his cousins at their lake house and his other cousins at their farm.

Every year he looked forward to marching in the Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City, joining fellow alumni from Power Memorial and reconnecting with high school friends until he last marched in 2019.

In his later years, health issues slowed him down, leading him to move from West Palm Beach to Madeira Beach to be closer to family. He spent his last four years enjoying the simple pleasure of sitting on his front porch, sipping a beer, and chatting with neighbors. Eddie was known for his intelligence, engaging in deep conversations on a variety of subjects. His friends, many of whom he kept in touch with for over 40 years, will miss his sarcasm, hearty laughter, and unfiltered remarks.

Eddie was preceded in death by his loving parents, Edward and Alice Litke. He is survived by his sisters Janice, Theresa, and Dolores, as well as his niece and nephew, Alex and Austin Cook.

Edward F. Litke was truly one of a kind, and he will be deeply missed for his unique spirit, sometimes weird sense of humor, and the tears, joy, and laughter he brought to those around him. Rest in peace, Eddie.

A visitation will take place at the funeral home on Sunday, October 20th, 2024, from 4pm to 6pm.  A Funeral Service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Monday, October 21st, at 10am.  Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

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