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Rich Wrocklage posted a condolence
Monday, July 30, 2018
Very sorry when I came across this.
He was unique, a very interesting listen on the too few occasions I had the opportunity.
J
Jon Deak posted a condolence
Friday, July 13, 2018
Ed was a warm spot of shining light in the Brass section all those years, and a consummate musician.
I'll never forget how he would play the 'Bydlo' solo in the Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition. It was as if he were taking us far away, into ancient Russia. Even the look on his face was transformative.
He was also loads of fun on our many tours.
Rest in Peace, dear Musician. Jon Deak
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Joseph Alessi posted a condolence
Thursday, July 12, 2018
Hi Lois and family. I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ed. Ed was so kind to me when I first arrived at the NYP and I really appreciated that. He was a first class gentleman of the highest regard and I enjoyed his stories about the old days with Vacchiano, Herman and Pulis. His wealth of experience was truly remarkable. It was the greatest pleasure to work with him. My heart goes out to you and your family at this difficult time. Joseph Alessi
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Orin O'Brien posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Dear Lois,
Please accept my condolences on behalf of Ed. I have such warm memories of him in NYC Ballet Orchestra (where I started out professionally in NYC) and he was so welcoming to me when I joined the NY Philharmonic.
His kindness, great musicianship, and friendship was so wonderful -- I will always remember his gracious personality and his sense of humor too.
My love and thanks to you,
Orin O'Brien
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Judy Nelson posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
I’m writing to express condolences to Ed’s family, and to thank you for sharing such a wonderful man with the Philharmonic. I joined the orchestra in 1983, and Ed was the kindest and most welcoming colleague a young whipper-snapper violist could ever ask for. I remember those bass trumpet solos!
I know this is a painful time, but please know that many, many people are holding Ed and you all in their hearts.
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Michael Forhez posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
Dear Erwin Family,
I am so very sad and sorry to hear this news. Very. Would it be too much to say that my heart feels your pain and is, by having known Ed (Mr. Erwin, in my youth) feeling it’s own deep sorrow?
Ed certainly was a kind soul, who clearly loved his family very much. As well, a great musician, and highly intelligent, but also ever compassionate and always open to knowing the other.
Let me share with you...
At age 18, I once road with both Ed and daughter, Karen, to pick her up and later drop her off at Susquehanna University. On both sides, to and from, I also had hours alone with him. We talked of Karen, and our first year at college, his career with the NY Philharmonic, his sons and lovely wife, Lois. We spoke of politics and Waldwick, where he made his home and family, and where Karen and I grew up together.
I know he knew that I loved his daughter very much, though I wasn’t able to express this directly to the father of the being and becoming women I was more than smitten by. It was the one and only time we had such a space of time together, man to man, and I think he had a bit of wistfulness for these two young people who felt as we did, but with all of us understanding that our lives were on the move and would be changing rather quickly hereafter. This was the compassionate man I came to know better that day. The man who loved his family more than anything. The man whose career took him around the world as he, and the very best in the business among him, entertained anyone with a good ear and from any station, whether suburban teenager from New Jersey, a Queen, King or head of state.
I saw Ed again many years later when I moved to Manhattan, myself now a professional and attending a free summer concert in Central Park. I walked through the rear cordon (unchallenged because I acted as if I had the right, which was pretty audacious), where the musicians were warming up, and asked for him. He came out minutes later to say hello. We caught up a bit and he expressed genuine pleasure in my coming by, thanking me for doing so. A lovely moment, we wouldn’t know it but that was the very last time we were to see one another.
Then just this week;
Though we’ve not spoken directly for many years, while dining out in Paris I wrote Karen to say she was uncannily on my mind. Hours later Karen wrote back to say she was likewise thinking of me as she desired to pass along the sad news of her dear father’s passing. A wrinkle in the universe or just a coincidence?
All to say...
Maybe there really is something to the idea of synchronized souls, even if Sartre and Beauvoir, now buried together in Paris, might argue otherwise! If this means all of us who knew and loved Ed are connected for the rest of our lives, regardless time and distance, none would be happier than I. But I’d like to think as well that Karen’s father would be pleased that his daughter and I, reunited under sad circumstances, were speaking of him this week, and that after so many years we would still know the blessings of a genuine love and enduring affection that he and Lois -my own parents too- bestowed on us.
To Edward then, and to you, Lois, for the many kindnesses given a younger man who loved your daughter, as he always will, while having the great privilege in knowing and loving you both as well.
As ever and always,
Michael Forhez
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Charlotte Morgan posted a condolence
Sunday, July 8, 2018
Some memories of my Uncle Ed;
Gentle, thoughtful, loving. The fact that he played in the New York Philharmonic Symphony made me feel proud, even as a very young child I knew it was important. That and my Cousin Steve’s amazing piano playing made me want to practice hard, for, who knew? Maybe I too could become a real musician one day. Sometimes I resented my father’s blasting Classical Music (always the Philharmonic) on weekend mornings when I was trying to sleep or watch cartoons, but blast he would. And I love Classical music today. I too remember Ed for his quiet enjoyment and joining in the silly banter and retellling of Iowa Erwin family stories at the family reunions at my Dad’s house. You could absolutely see the enjoyment and love on his face. I always wished we lived closer to our cousins, Uncle Ed, and Aunt Lois. Bless you, Ed.
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Charlotte Morgan posted a condolence
Sunday, July 8, 2018
Dear Lois, Karen, Mitch, and Steve,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know it is hard and that you will miss Ed terribly. All my love.
Charlotte
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Tracey Erwin posted a condolence
Saturday, July 7, 2018
When I was little girl my uncle Ed was a family legend. He lived far away – in New Jersey, wherever that was. But more importantly he played trombone in the New York Philharmonic! On Saturday mornings my dad would play classical music and recordings of the Philharmonic and shush us to listen for Ed’s parts. We knew he travelled all over the world to perform; it seemed a most exotic and wonderful life to me.
The Philharmonic made a stop in San Francisco, where I lived in my twenties, and Ed invited me to the concert at the Masonic Hall. I was thrilled to go. Sadly, I don’t remember what the program was, but remember that I enjoyed it immensely. We also had lunch and our first one on one conversation. He was so nice and funny! He was respectful and interested in a way most adult attempt but miss.
In the 90’s Ed and his family came to a series of family reunions. He and his brother (my dad) and cousins laughed, played music and told stories for hours. Ed talked with everyone - his wit and genuine happiness to be there always shining.
One of my favorite memories of Ed came many years later in 2008. My son chose to play the trombone in middle school. We visited Ed and he listened to my son’s playing and gave the kindest, most thoughtful critique. Here was an elite musician who trained the highest caliber students taking time and care with a very fledgling musician. Of course we were family but I got the sense that he would have done the same for any budding trombone player.
We miss you, Uncle Ed!
K
Kate Carroll posted a condolence
Friday, July 6, 2018
I am Ed’s youngest niece and my strongest memories of Ed are when he would visit our family; once while performing with the NYP. I remember the excitement his visits would generate, “Uncle Ed is coming!” There was an air of celebrity and mystery and awe about Ed from our family. I knew even as a very young child, he was kind of a big deal. However, Ed of course, was ever humble, relaxed, approachable, kind and playful. It was to Ed that I first confided my desire to play the violin. I was 4 at the time and was afraid I’d be laughed at or told no. He was so respectful of my “secret”, I felt like he understood me, so I was grateful when he relayed my desire to our family. Let’s face it — a 4 year old on violin isn’t most peoples’ idea of enjoyable sounds. You need a grown up to back you! And back me he did. He championed me starting lessons told me to practice hard.
Ed will always be an amazing man - he has touched the lives of thousands and his teaching and his music will live on.
Bless you Ed!
K
Karen uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, July 5, 2018
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Mom & Dad’s 50th Anniversary, 2004
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Karen uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, July 5, 2018
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85th birthday party. Looking good in blue.
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Karen uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, July 5, 2018
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Mom & Dad sharing a good laugh on tour with the NY Phil, circa 1974
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Karen uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, July 5, 2018
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Dad always loved animals, particularly anything cuddly.
Cedar Crest Retirement Community May 2018
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Steve uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
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With Alison at the playground watching Leah and Tommy, Berlin, October 1998
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Steve uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
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Reading to Tommy, Berlin, October 1998
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Steve uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
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Walking Leah to school, Berlin, October 1998
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Steve uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
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Walking Leah to school, Berlin, October 1998
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Karen uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
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August 2010
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Karen uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
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Two brothers having a chat 2004
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Karen uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
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With Ed Herman and Don Harwood of the NY Phil, circa 1982.
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Karen uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
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Dad & Mitch, taking a walk June 2009
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Karen uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
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Yellowstone National Park 1989, while on tour in Jackson Hole WY with the NY Phil.
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Steve uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
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Home, June 2016
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Steve uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
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Emerson Rehab Center, October 2017
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Karen uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
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Father’s Day, one year ago 2017
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Karen uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
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1982
Susquehanna University
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Karen uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
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2012, at home in Waldwick
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Karen uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
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Houston? 1940-1945
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Charles William (Bill) Erwin uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, June 28, 2018
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This image of a teenage boy is circa 1940. It is before Ed Erwin was drafted or left Eastman School of Music or married. Here he was still a boy in Texas with a love of horses and independent thinking. His generosity, kindness and quiet leadership were apparent to many including his little brother. All who knew him will carry a part of Ed with them and are better persons as a result.
Charles William (Bill) Erwin
Durham NC
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Alan Seiden posted a condolence
Saturday, June 23, 2018
My condolences to Lois and family. Ed was a mentor to me and a colleague in local Bergen County music groups. We talked about old times and politics. A good friend.
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Carole L Anderson posted a condolence
Friday, June 22, 2018
My dear Coiusin Ed, a warm and loving man to all who knew him. I am always so proud to brag about him and his accomplishments and especially proud to be a cousin of his. Thank you Cousin Ed for introducing me to beautiful symphonic music which prompted me to become a League member of the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra. With much love and admiration, Cousin Carole.
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Donna Ware Zocco posted a condolence
Friday, June 22, 2018
Lois, I am so sad to hear of your loss, I have such wonderful childhood memories of Ed and the carpool guys; they were an entertaining group of men in more ways than just musically. The write up is beautiful. My heartfelt love and prayers to you and your family.
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Nancy Anderson lit a candle
Friday, June 22, 2018
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For a beautiful man who always showed me kindness and love with his special smile and twinkling eyes. God Speed.
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Barbara R Bailey posted a condolence
Friday, June 22, 2018
Dear Lois and family,
Beautiful obituary which gives such a good picture of Ed. My condolences to the whole family and the friends who loved him, too. I treasure our many shared memories from Philharmonic Days. I'm also happy that our paths crossed and we did have good times together. Sincerest sympathy.
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Dot & Ralph Emer posted a condolence
Friday, June 22, 2018
Ed had an incredible talent and was such a generous soul. It was a privilege to have known him. We send our deepest sympathy from our family to your family.
E
The family of Edward Erwin uploaded a photo
Thursday, June 21, 2018
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