Edwin Rothstein's Obituary
Edwin Rothstein, 90, of Boca Raton, Florida passed away peacefully on May 5th, 2012, surrounded by his family and loved ones. Edwin is interred at Eternal Light Memorial Gardens in Boynton Beach, Florida alongside his wife, Violet.
Edwin was born to David and Rose Rothstein in Bridgeport, Connecticut on March 18, 1922. Edwin’s parents had immigrated to the United States in the late 1800s from Galicia, Austria, a region in central-eastern Europe that is today divided between western Ukraine and eastern Poland.
Edwin was the third child born to his parents. He had two siblings, Anna (born in 1914) and Meyer (born in 1916). Edwin and his siblings spent most of their childhood and early adult years in the Bronx, New York. Edwin’s cousin, Levine Blanche, was also raised by David and Rose in the same household.
Edwin went on to complete his schooling in the Bronx and was a standout athlete throughout his youth. During his teenage years, Edwin attended the Bronx’s, James Monroe High School, where he served as the gym captain, and was an active member of the basketball and handball teams. Edwin graduated from high school in 1941 and shortly thereafter met the woman who would eventually become his wife, Violet Vanderborg.
Edwin and Violet’s emerging romance was punctuated by the start of World War 2. In June of 1942, Edwin completed his military draft registration. Aware of the likely imminence of being called for active duty, Edwin and Violet decided to marry the following year on October 3, 1943, at the Civic Center Synagogue in the Bronx, New York.
Shortly after their marriage, Edwin was called to serve in the United States’ overseas military air offensive that spanned across the Asia-Pacific region. Edwin joined the Air Force's elite 318th Special Operations Squadron. The group carried out operations across a host of nations, including Japan, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines. Edwin would go on to receive an American Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Philippines Liberation Ribbon, World War 2 Victory Medal, and recognition for good conduct. After serving for exactly 3 years, 2 months, and 12 days, Edwin was honorably discharged from his service in 1945 as the war drew to a close.
Edwin returned home to New York and was reunited with his wife, Violet. Shortly thereafter, Edwin and Violet welcomed their first daughter, Karen, in 1947, followed by Judi, born in 1951, and Robert, born in 1956. Edwin and Violet were elated by the birth of their children. They would go on to raise Karen, Judi, and Robert in the Whitestone neighborhood of Queens, New York.
Edwin spent the majority of his career as a firefighter for the City of New York. He would go on to serve as Captain of the FDNY’s Fire Department Squad 18. Located in Manhattan’s West Village neighborhood, the firehouse is one of the oldest engine companies in New York City. Edwin spent decades as a firefighter before announcing his retirement in the early 1980s. In 1985, Edwin and Violet retired to Boca Raton, Florida. Edwin spent his golden years golfing and enjoying a slower pace of life in the Sunshine State. He always made time for frequent visits to his family and friends in New York City.
Edwin was preceded in death by his parents, David and Rose, his sister, Anna, his brother, Meyer, and his beloved wife, Violet. Edwin is survived by his loving children (Karen, Judi, and Robert) and grandchildren (Thomas, Maxwell, and Morgan).
The family of Edwin Rothstein would like to extend their sincere appreciation for the outpouring of love and support during this time.
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