On September 14th, 2021, the world lost a true adventure seeker. Edward Walter Wojcik defined "living life to the fullest". Ed was a dear friend to many. Those lucky enough to be in his inner circle were blessed with an authentic and passionate friendship.

His circle of friends embodied his lust for life. Ed searched the world for the perfect catch. His fishing trips took him and his friends to all corners of the earth. His travels were many and his fishing stories, impressive. The connections Ed made while on the water will last an eternity.

Ed was an avid golfer. As all who play the game, he had a love/hate relationship with his swing. His golfing friends would agree, the best part of playing with Ed was hearing his laugh and simply being in his company. No matter the score, anyone who played around with Ed, walked away a winner.

There was no place Ed would not travel. His interest in learning about other cultures and meeting new people was unmatched. Getting Ed to discuss a trip with you was a thing of beauty. His eyes would light up and he would embrace sharing his adventures.

Ed was born in Passaic, New Jersey on December 5th, 1951. He graduated Mountain High School in 1969. Ed attended Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida and fell in love with the Florida lifestyle and air. Winter Park became his home and he left his mark on his community. Ed married Margo Bayshore, with whom he had two children, Nikki (who gifted him with his two grandchildren) and Chad (who admired his father in every way). Ed and Margo separated, but remained close.

Ed continued his education at Rollins College by earning his MBA. Ed was a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch for over 40 years. Ed loved his clients and treated them as family. Ed was a leader in his field and received many awards for his services.

Ed met his match when he was ready to remarry. His life changed when he met Ellen Titen (of Winter Park). Ellen was Ed's loving wife for 35 years. They shared many of the same hobbies and loved the outdoors. Ed and Ellen were a charitable couple who volunteered and helped shape the city of Winter Park. Despite divorcing in 2018, they remained best friends.

Ed had one sister, Wendy Kozak (of Winter Park). Ed and Wendy were constant companions. They bonded over their Italian heritage and would create magic in the kitchen. Wendy was Ed's biggest fan. They challenged each other to be the best version of themselves and worked at great lengths to maintain their family history. Wendy's husband, Richard Kozak, was like a brother to Ed and they often shared elaborate jokes and good natured fun.

Few were spared from their intensity during a family game night. Ed had two grandchildren, Bella and Austin. Bella's free spirit would mesmerize her grandfather and they shared countless special memories. Ed was proud of Austin and his hardworking attitude and thoughtful character. They will miss their grandfather, but his legacy will live within them.

Ed's family extended to Wendy's children, Eric Kozak (who was one of Ed's favorite fishing buddies), Krista Wilson (who shared his passion for travel); and Jaime Madsen (who loved to cook with her uncle). Ed had a special relationship with his nieces and nephews, Sutton, Katherine, Quinn, Kyler, Trevor and Jeffrey. They looked up to their uncle and wanted to follow in his footsteps.

Ed helped us all find within ourselves those gifts that make each of us special. He held an extraordinary beauty to bring intensity and love to those he met. Ed left this world better than he found it and that truly is, the prefect catch.

Donations can be in Ed's honor at Bishopgradyvillas.org/donate.