Edward Rudnitsky 87 of Sarasota passed away peacefully February 6, 2019.

He was an optimist and non-conformist who as a husband, father and friend always encouraged his loved ones to follow their best natures. 
Ed was born September 20, 1931 to Rose and Abe Rudnitsky on South Street in Philadelphia. A graduate of Penn State, he sailed the world as a Navy officer on a destroyer. He then settled in the Boston area after finishing Harvard Law. He spent the last several years enjoying the people and natural beauty of Sarasota.

In 1968, determined not to lose the opportunity of his lifetime, Ed followed Vicki Rosenfeld to the Greek isle of Rhodes. After a rapid courtship, they shared their lives together for half a century.
His early attempts to teach her the Socratic Method came to naught, so instead he raised his three children to love a good argument. 
Ed is survived by Vicki, two sons - Ben and Jake - and soon to be five grandchildren. He lost his only daughter, Lexi, in 2005. 
Ed penned several books over the years, but his masterpiece was his life, which he lived surrounded by love, laughter and debates. He never stopped making friends and never forgot those he had.

 Family and friends are invited to remember Ed’s life and smile at Temple Sinai, 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota at 11am on Friday, February 15.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lexi Rudnitsky Poetry Project, c/o George Rosenfeld, 69 Greene St., New York, NY 10012, a foundation created in memory of his daughter that supports young poets.  More information about the foundation can be found here: https://www.perseabooks.com/lexi-rudnitsky-prize-award/