Edward Carl Tanzer's Obituary
Edward Carl Tanzer, loving husband and father of two children, a Vietnam War Veteran and resident of Ave Maria, Florida, entered eternal rest on Thursday, February 14, 2019, at the age of 76.Ed was born on August 5, 1942 in Everett, MA to Mildred and Robert Tanzer. Ed attended Everett High School and enjoyed restoring fast cars, playing football, and being an avid ham radio operator (W4PNG) which he enjoyed throughout his life. He joined the Air Force in 1962.Ed loved the Air Force, which gave him the opportunity to travel and enjoy new adventures and served honorably for 20 years. Ed’s first assignment after basic training was a radar site in Winthrop, Ma., close to home. He was then assigned to Tyndall AFB, Panama City, Fl. From 64-65, Ed worked as a radar navigation specialist in Ubon, Thailand, during the Vietnam War and was a purple heart recipient. Ed’s next assignment was at Homestead AFB, Homestead, FL. Following Homestead, Ed was stationed at Kessler Air Force Base as an instructor for Foreign students; Denver for schooling before heading to his next assignment Eielson AFB, Fairbanks, AK; Hill AFB, Ogden, Utah; Bucks Harbor Radar Site, Mathias, Maine; and finally, Langley AFB where he worked with the F15 program until he retired. Ed enjoyed being a ham radio operator during his military service and beyond.Before retiring, Ed wanted to learn how to sail and took lessons at the Coast Guard Base in Yorktown. He bought his first sailboat, a 23′ Ranger, and his sailing adventures began. Ed sold the ranger and bought a beautiful 35′ Pearson and called it “Yours Truly”. After many years of sailing the Chesapeake Bay, Ed got the Blue Water fever and bought a 32’ Westsail and did his circumnavigation. Then he bought his beloved Swan, on which he had many sailing adventures crossing the blue watersIn 2008, Ed met Jan Sherbert, and it was a perfect union — they were married July 3, 2010 at Herrington Harbor Yacht Club on the Chesapeake Bay – They made their home on their boat in Herrington Harbor South Marina in Rosehaven, Maryland. In November they decided to purchase a motor yacht and found their new home – 53’ Hatteras — M/V JJFlyGirl and enjoyed many adventures on the Chesapeake Bay. The bitter cold weather in MD was too much and they decided to head south. They set sail in April 2012 and 30 days later they arrived at their new marina in Lighthouse Point, Fl — For Jan, this was the adventure of a lifetime! Ed’s failing health forced them to go on land and purchased a home in Coral Springs, FL in December 2013. Naples area was calling and they then purchased a home in Del Webb in Ave Maria, Florida where they resided at the time of his deathRob’s memory: “Dad was a great father to me. When he was away on TDY, he would always write long letters telling me all about his day – I really looked forward to his letters. He was really like a big kid – when I got old enough to drive, we had really cool cars like a 67 Mustang, a dune buggy with big chrome wheels, a small MG Midget. He softly kicked me out of the nest when I went off to college and was always there for support when I needed it. He had a full adventurous life and I feel so proud of him. I loved him so much”.Nik’s memory: “My dad was my “go to” person for practical solutions and a safe haven! I had a wonderful childhood with my mom and dad. They instilled a love of nature, camping and adventures! I remember swimming in the ocean with my dad as a kid and riding on his back, he made me feel safe and loved. Dad taught me Morse code, that I wish I still remembered. He taught me about taking care of my cars and making safe plans. During high school he always made sure he knew when I was leaving work and coming home; he had to know the time and the route I would take. One day I was broken down on the side of the road and was not home when I should have been, sure enough my dad, my hero, came to save me. Being in the Air Force, we had to rely on each other and learn about many different important things in life that have served mewell, including unconditional love and tolerance. I was always proud of him, “Fair winds and following seas, dad! “Ed was preceded in death by his father, Robert; his mother, Mildred; and his brother, Frank and two cats – Cherokee and Cheyenne whom they loved dearly. He is survived by his loving wife Jan Sherbert-Tanzer and their two cats – Chloe and Cooper; his two children, Robert D. Tanzer (Fanny) of Kingsmill, OH and Nikki M. Tanzer of San Antonio, TX from his first wife, Vivian; and his cousin Susan Goldberg (Michael) and their three children, Joshua, Jonathan and Rebecca; and loving nieces and nephews.A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, February 21st , 2019 from 1:00pm – 3:00 pm at Del Webb Club House , 6010 Del Webb Way, Ave Maria, Florida. Flowers may be sent to Jan Sherbert-Tanzer, 5942 Plymouth Place, Ave Maria, FL 34142.The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to a Veteran’s organization of your choice and/or The Humane Society
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