Obituaries
Edward Murray Itkowitz, 69
October 29, 2023
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.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
December 01, 2023
I just got the news about one of my beat oldest friend I know he will be miss
November 12, 2023
Eddie was a great man and a good friend. Always loved to laugh with me both in person or over the phone. I always knew I could count on him for advise for business or life in general. Knowledgeable, witty, smart, and a down right hilarious man. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to his equally amazing wife Randi.
Todd P Fink
November 06, 2023
Dear Randi and Family-
I was so sad to hear the passing of our “Family Friend” to be honest he was like part of our family. I learned so much from Eddie and will be forever grateful. Too many memories to share here, the Mrakovich family sends our condolences. Please let us know if we can ever be of any help, hopefully I can visit you in the near future. All our blessings – Todd Mrakovich and Family
November 06, 2023
Our friend for over 40 years otherwise known as our brother will be surely missed. We shared our holidays together with both families as well as bringing up our children together.
We all knew that if there was an Eagles or Phillies game on, don’t try calling Edward as he was the epitome of the greatest fan!
I had the pleasure of speaking with him from California a few weeks ago and his spirit remained strong even though he was in the hospital.
Edward was the brother I never had and will miss him especially at the Thanksgiving time as both families had the best time.
Though we now live in California, I am traveling to Lancaster to be with Randi otherwise known as my sister to spend some quality time.
Everyone who ever met Edward loved his humor but most of all his love for his family, especially his partner and the love of his life Randi.
He will be surly missed!
Ilyce Benton
November 02, 2023
Dear Randi,
I am so sorry for your loss. True love stories stand the test of time, and yours is one of them. Prayers for you and your family!❤️
Beth Schomp
November 02, 2023
Dear Randy & Family, Our deepest sympathies for the loss of your beloved husband, father and grandfather. May his memory be for a blessing for this and future generations.
Robin Schuldenfrei & Baron Tayler
November 01, 2023
I am so very savory for this loss of such a man. When I say I understand, I truly do having gone through this loss recently. My heart goes out to you Randi, and your entire lovely family. One day at a time❤️ Nini
November 01, 2023
My Condolences to the Itkowitz family. So sorry for your loss. Rob Cohen ( a fellow Highline salesperson)
November 01, 2023
Dearest Randi and family, my deepest condolences to you and your family for the loss of your beloved Ed. He fought a courageous fight with all his strength and kept a positive attitude on life. May you cherish all the wonderful memories you shared! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Steve Marinos – Cravings Deli
November 01, 2023
Dear Itkowitz family,
we are saddened to hear that Eddie I has passed on to glory.
He served Drexel Auto for about 42 years including his last visit recently, when we talked awhile. We will miss him continually!
Paul and Pat Drexel
November 01, 2023
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kelly Steffy
November 01, 2023
We share your saddness and great sense of loss.
Our sincere condolences.
Rob, Mel & Xander
October 31, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I could be there to honor your dad along with you. He was such a good man.
Caitlin Sullivan
October 31, 2023
Dear Randy, Colby, and Jared, we are so sorry for your loss. Ed was always so optimistic and quick with a joke. But the thing that really stood out about him was his determination not to give in. He was really one-of-kind. As a friend and neighbor, he will be truly missed.
Jack and Carol
October 31, 2023
Eddie, my recent retirement yields plans to renew old friendships. You were one of my main targets. Much disappointment. But so many good memories. Please wait for me cuz I’ma comin’ to find ja…til we meet again….Much love… your friend…Rusty…
October 31, 2023
So sorry to hear. Great guy!
Jim McCune
October 31, 2023
We are heartbroken over the loss of Edward. We loved and adored him . Sending love and strength to Randi, Colby , Chad, Jared, and Dara. May the memory of your beloved forever be for a blessing. #GOPHILLIES⚾️
RHONDA & ELLIOT SILVERBERG
October 31, 2023
Dear Randi and family,
Condolences to you for your loss of such a Devine person as our dear Eddie. He will be missed by many people who regarded him as “best in field”. May he rest in peace.
Blessings to you, Bud
October 31, 2023
My condolences. Eddie will be missed by many.
Ben Venable
October 31, 2023
Eddie i, , Thank you from all of us here at Newark Battery. You had come through for us too many times to count. You will certainly be missed and especially for my daughter Jess, she always enjoyed your company when you would visit. For me personally I am going to miss the times we would talk about the state of the industry and just talk in general about life and especially the phillies before, during, and after the seasons. Thanks again my friend for all the years and rest in peace, love ya Dave
October 30, 2023
I never had a conversation with Eddie that didn’t end in laughter. Such a wonderful person and great coworker. The only thing that makes me smile right now is knowing that him and Pat are together again in heaven probably driving God crazy. Love you Ed.
Patti Jenkins
October 30, 2023
I will miss you. My condolences to his family. May GOD give them stregth at this difficult time.
Satya
October 30, 2023
B”H May he be in a better place. My condolences to Randy, Colby and Jared. He was so special and the connection was so positive. I always admired his validation and concern for others. We will miss his presence. Helene Zimmerman LCSW
October 30, 2023
Rest in peace Eddie I , our deepest sympathies to the family .
“The Pepper Boys” Mike and Gard Murphy
October 30, 2023
All of us here at Delta General Store & Auto Center 805 Main Street, Delta, Pa 17314 will miss Eddie very much. I am sure I will not be the only who can say this, but Eddie was not just a saleman he was part of my family too. Bob and I Pam Andrews have enjoyed Eddie over these years. My girls Samantha, Tiffany, Renee have enjoyed his advance over the years just not being a salesman to me but a friend to all of us. We love you Eddie and we want his family and friends to know that. Love you Pamela Andrews
October 30, 2023
Eddie you will never know how much you meant to so many people ❤️ my heart goes out to your family. One heck of a salesperson looked forward to our Tuesday morning conversations. Till we meet again.
Michele Graeff
October 30, 2023
Dear Randi, Colby, and Jared –
I am so saddened to learn of Mr. Itkowitz’s passing. I remember many happy interactions with him over the years at shul and other events at Degel. He was always kind, genuine, and funny. Even though I can’t be with you at his service on Wednesday, I’ll wear my Phillies hat in his memory.
My sincere condolences to you all, and me his memory be a blessing – y’hi zichro baruch!
Sincerely,
Michael Singer
October 30, 2023
Eddie I will be greatly missed. He was definitely a character. Good hearted and comical. Always had a positive outlook on life.
Gary Steffy
October 29, 2023
I am honored and incredibly grateful to have known Edward.
I’m sending my deepest condolences to Randi and family during this time.
with deepest sympathy,
Allison Fisher Pajak and family
October 29, 2023
My love and sympathy are with you dear Randi. It was always a pleasure being around you and Edward at the Melaleuca events.
Edith Detwiler
October 29, 2023
Deepest condolences to a wonderful witty gentleman
I always felt after speaking with Ed I was better off and always learned something positive
Deepest condolences to the Itzkowitz family
Richard Konig and family
Highline Warren LLC.
October 29, 2023
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Eddie. I always enjoyed our conversations and will miss him very much. Connie and Jonathan Hudson Highline Warren
- Visitation
- Wednesday, November 01, 2023
- 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Wednesday, November 01, 2023
- 11:30 AM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
