Edward Murray Itkowitz, 69, whose quick wit and inquisitive nature defined a life of many passions, died Sunday at his home in Lancaster, Pa.

Born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia by his loving parents Evelyn and Rube Itkowitz, Edward spent his youth listening to rock and roll and watching 1930-40s movies and comedians, which would shape his playful, and sometimes edgy, personality.

He relished everyday interactions, charming everyone he met with his humor. He often said after a certain age the most important things in life were food and laughter and he lived by this mantra. He loved spontaneity. He was always up for a new adventure, whether it was finding a desired book in an obscure used bookstore or seeking the best 'sweetie' dessert at a local market. He saw the positive side of every situation – even after his diagnosis with colon cancer in 2015, he never let the disease dictate his life and continued fighting until his final days.

He was proudest of his family. He was the husband of his best friend Randi, with whom he just celebrated 41 years of marriage. A man of many names (Edward, Eddie I, Fast Eddie, Ed), he always said that his best name was Dad, and later Pappy. He built a home full of life, always caring for plants and animals. He had five dogs and a cat over his lifetime, Duke, Duchess, Lucky, Mitzi, Dewey and most recently his great love, Maddie.

Known to many in his industry as "Eddie I," he spent 44 years as a salesman in the automotive aftermarket. His work complemented his free spirit and desire for connection, allowing him to traverse Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware, forging deep bonds with his customers over decades. He and his wife were also Executive Directors with Melaleuca, Inc., having joined the company in 1992.

He relished opportunities for self-improvement. In the early 2000s, he served as president of Degel Israel in Lancaster. He taught himself the stock market and real estate and used that new knowledge to create investment clubs with friends.

A deep lover of learning, Edward consistently found new ways to challenge himself. He took up sailing, he learned the banjo, he played racquetball and he studied Jewish rituals and history. He devoured mysteries and biographies, often reading multiple books at a time. He was a passionate fan of Philadelphia sports, especially the Phillies – attending the 1993 NLCS clincher, Opening Day at Citizens Bank Park, and Roy Halladay's playoff no-hitter, among other moments.

Edward is survived by his wife, Randi; his children, Colby (Chad Kurtz) and Jared (Dara Phillips); grandchildren, Evelyn, Hallie and Sadie; and his miniature poodle, Maddie.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to Edward's funeral service at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543 on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at 11:30am with Rabbi Shaya Sackett officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:30am until the time of the service. Interment in Degel Israel Cemetery will follow.

The Itkowitz family kindly requests that attendees at the Interment (the burial service) wear a Phillies hat (or their favorite team) if they have one.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, a charity he cared about deeply.