Ed dedicated his life to serving others and, in so doing, made all of us better. Always supportive, always encouraging and always kind, Ed Tancer's legacy will live on for generations.
The last time I saw Ed was at a charity golf tournament that Ed, who somehow found time for every worthy cause, sponsored and conducted. As usual, Ed's golf skills were far superior to mine, and even though I wasn't pulling my weight in our foursome, Ed always remained positive, supportive and encouraging. It didn't matter if it was golf, business or life, Ed's approach to everything and everyone was the same: optimistic, empathetic and giving. Ed's contagious smile and huge heart will be with me always. May his name be of blessed memory.
It took me a while to be able to write about Ed as it is hard to find words to express just how special of a person he was. While I only knew Ed for three years, his passing left me heart broken and feel like I’ve been robbed of so many laughs and learning with Ed. If I feel this way, I can’t even begin to imagine what his family and long-time friends are going through.
On a lighter note, Ed had the best laugh in the world. In 2018, he took a group of us to dinner and a comedy show at Kravis Center. Dinner was fun - Ed was always a great host. He always thought about who he could connect and how they would be able to mutually benefit from getting to know one another. But, on this night the comedy show (and Ed) stole the show. The comedian was good, but Ed's laugh was amazing! Every joke got giggles from the crowd, but received a great loud honking laugh from Ed. About half way into the concert everyone in our group stopped listening to the comedy and rather just waited for Ed's ruckus laughter. It was both hilarious and awesome. That's how I chose to remember Ed. In life, Ed went out of his way to help and connect people, and had a joy for life greater than any good comedy show!
Losing Ed makes me want to be a better man, who gives back more to his community, helps others and has a blast doing it! I know I'll do better in these areas of my life because of Ed and what I learned from him.
(Adi Rappoport) Ed and I worked together at Gunster. We shared a secretary for most of our time together at Gunster, and Ed's office was two doors down from mine. So, I witnessed firsthand his gentle, warm spirit and his many acts of kindness. He was constantly on the phone - helping a client, planning an event, or figuring out how to help someone with something; we would joke that he should be a DJ with his distinctive rich, deep voice. Ed and I also shared a love for the Florida Gators, and I would look forward to coming to the office on Mondays during football season to celebrate a Gator victory or to break down a Gator loss (and the all the things we would have done differently if we got to call the plays).
I want to share a specific act of Ed's kindness that impacted my family. When my daughter Jordan was deciding whether to attend Suncoast, Ed offered to introduce Jordan to Leah. Next thing I know, we had dinner scheduled (Saito's as I recall), and Ed connected Jordan with Leah, which influenced Jordan to attend Suncoast (a terrific decision). Of course, Ed always asked about how my kids are doing, and he would proudly tell me about how Harrison and Leah are doing.
I know that the passing months have not diminished your grief. Please know that Ed is sorely missed. His memory is a blessing to all that had the privilege to know him.
Ed and I worked together at Gunster for several years and on several legal matters. He was a good friend, and always the guy to reach out to if anyone needed a connection, or was looking for a new opportunity. On a couple of occasions, Ed reached out to give me the new contact information for someone I had lost touch with. He had a gift for connecting other people, probably because he was so focused on other people--not only a selfless person but a truly giving person.
There is one story that sums up Ed Tancer more than anyone else. Without using names, a client had a new in-house lawyer moving to Florida and I thought it would be good for this lawyer to meet Ed and maybe become involved in one of Ed's general counsel groups. We got together for lunch. Normally of course there are pleasantries and people get to know each other a bit and maybe talk some business towards the end. Not with Ed. It was the most amazing thing I had ever seen. Ed didn’t know the guy at all and had never met him before, and within three minutes of saying "hello"--no exaggeration--Ed had come up with a possible job connection for the guy's wife. After saying hello Ed asked whether the family was down yet and kid age and whether the spouse worked and once he knew her professional field and asked if she was looking, then said, "you know reciprocal licensing in that area is tricky--does she have any interest in charitable work? I have a friend who is looking for someone so that could work." It was THREE MINUTES. The even more remarkable thing is that within 15 minutes Ed was asking this new-in-town lawyer for a personal favor--but not for Ed of course--but for a school that was looking for some help.
It was like there was no true meaningless small talk with Ed, because every bit of information was stored in his personal hive mind and he might figure out someway to help you out later (or a way you could help someone else out later).
Perhaps because he was such a generous guy with his time and effort, no one could refuse him. Getting "Tancered" was a running joke at Gunster--it was an onerous request from Ed, often without notice, that you somehow could not turn down because you just could not disappoint the guy. It happened to me a couple of times. It always started the same way. Ed would come into your office and say, “Heeeyyyyyyy, maaaaaan, howya doin'? Sooooo-I need you to do something.” (You could tell how big the ask was based on how long he dragged out the word "hey.") Sometimes it was a charitable endeavor. Sometimes it was a work thing. Sometimes it was meeting with someone to help out because you happened to have something in your background that Ed remembered might be helpful. One time it was "present a lecture on a complex, difficult topic to a group of distinguished and very experienced people who knew the topic well and oh-by-the-way it's tomorrow." Whatever it was, you did it because when Ed Tancer gives you the “heeeeeyyy maaaan” you just can't say no.
The reason people were so happy to help Ed was that he was always helping others. Once my daughter wanted to organize some event and I knew Ed had done something like that so I called him and asked for a point of contact she could call. He didn't just give me a name and number. He insisted that the three of us meet for breakfast to talk about the idea and he came up with some improvements, and then put her in touch with the right person. It was the first "business meeting" for my 17-year-old and it was awesome. It was another example of Ed spending more time than necessary to help someone out--and he taught a kid a lesson she will never forget about how to help people out.
There are thousands of great Ed stories. He was the mayor of every room he was ever in. He made everyone his best friend. It has been joked that Ed was everyone's most expensive friend, because he was always helping various charitable causes. Without question, he was one of everyone's most rewarding friends. I have never known anyone like Ed. I have, dozens of times, used him as an example to my children of how they ought to behave as members of their communities.
He is an unforgettable person and his impact on his friends and community will live for generations.
Eddie Tancer was an amazing person who I wish we would have had the opportunity to know better.
I know this is a tribute to many of Eddie's accomplishments and good deeds. To me, Eddie's biggest accomplishment is finding Susan Kellman and making her Susan Tancer. His ability to be a single unit in marriage, but balance the work/life/personal space with Susan is a tribute to his deep selfless soul.
Leah & Harrison, take your favorite attribute of your Dad and make that a part of your personality. He will live on thru you regardless. Celebrate when you quote him in your future. At first it was difficult but now I get peace and calm when I quote my father and mother.
Susan, no words can reduce your pain. Let me leave you with the knowledge that you are LOVED. Love, Bruce
My significant other is Barry. He’s not a big talker and if he doesn’t like someone he doesn’t say a word. So the first time we had dinner with Susan and Eddie I sat Barry next to Eddie. I hoped Barry could talk to Eddie and be pleasant. A short time later I turned to my right and this is what I saw. Barry was on top of the world talking to Eddie. I never saw such pure joy on his face. Did I mention that Barry is a golf addict? All he likes to talk about is golf. Read about golf. Watch golf on tv and play golf. Barry’s played at many courses around the world. So here was Barry beyond happy to be sitting next to Eddie. I will never forget his joy. God bless you Eddie. I will always remember that night in the grille with you and Susan and my mom and me and Barry.
I met Eddie at Palm Springs Elementary School in second grade. We continued our journey of friendship throughout the years. Many days were spent watching Eddie play little league baseball in Palm Springs. We spent many classes together through our time at Kirklane Elementary School. We also shared days at Temple Beth El. In High School at JIL I remember many days hanging out in Band room, and Choir room together. Eddie always had a huge smile on his face that would light up a room. Eddie and I reconnected as adults thanks to FB. We both are HUGE Gator Fans. Eddie and I both have a belief of giving back to others. I was able to do this with Eddie in supporting Bella’s Angels. Eddie will be missed by so many people. Susan, Harrison, and Leah, please know you have an amazing support system here for you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the Family during this very difficult time. Sending love and a virtual hug.
I met the Tancer family while teaching Harrison and Leah in Prekindergarten at The Benjamin School years ago. Ed would walk Harrison and Leah into the classroom each morning prior to going over to FPL/NextEra for work. We would often chat about our favorite music bands. I shared with Ed my love for Jackson Brown’s music since I was a teenager growing up in NY. I mentioned how I had never been to a concert in Florida and could not imagine the experience compared to Madison Square Garden in Manhattan. Well, in true Ed style several months later he came to school with “best seats ever“ tickets to see Jackson Brown at the West Palm Beach concert venue. My first Florida concert, and to top it off outdoors during the winter months. Amazing time. Over the years my husband and I have often spoken about Ed’s kindness to us and the wonderful evening he made possible. A gesture that in our lives was priceless as he made sure we became Floridians to stay that evening. Our hearts break for you Susan, Harrison, and Leah. May you find comfort in knowing you are forever blessed with your husband/dad guiding your way forever each moment of every day. ❤️
I moved to Florida 4+ years ago for my job. Ed was one of the first people outside my company who reached out to welcome me. He drove across the state to Tampa to take me out for lunch. That’s the kind of man he was. Always welcoming and making you feel special. He was an absolute gentleman and I will miss spending time with him. I didn’t know him as long or as well as many others did but I feel blessed to have crossed paths with him. May his memory be a blessing to all those he touched.
The last time I saw Ed was at a charity golf tournament that Ed, who somehow found time for every worthy cause, sponsored and conducted. As usual, Ed's golf skills were far superior to mine, and even though I wasn't pulling my weight in our foursome, Ed always remained positive, supportive and encouraging. It didn't matter if it was golf, business or life, Ed's approach to everything and everyone was the same: optimistic, empathetic and giving. Ed's contagious smile and huge heart will be with me always. May his name be of blessed memory.