Ed Olshansky, a beloved brother, uncle, great-uncle, cousin, friend, and devoted member of the Jewish community, died peacefully surrounded by family at Sarasota Memorial Hospital after a complicated illness with pneumonia at the age of 77.
Born in Newport News, Virginia, to loving parents Charles and Belle Olshansky, Ed lived a life centered on family, faith, community, and service to others. Throughout his life, he gave generously and lovingly of his time and attention, dedicating countless hours to volunteering with organizations and causes that mattered deeply to him.
His Jewish faith and community held a particularly important place in his life. Ed was deeply involved with Rodef Shalom Temple in Newport News, Virginia, and Temple Beth Sholom in Sarasota, Florida. In Sarasota, he volunteered as an assistant to the rabbi at Benderson Life Care, and in Newport News, he volunteered with many community groups. Ed also spent 30 years working at Riverside Hospital, where he was beloved by both his fellow employees and the patients he served. In recognition of Ed’s many years of service to the community, he received an Award of Distinction from the Peninsula National Conference of Christians and Jews.
Those who knew Ed will remember him for his heart, his kindness, his emails, his calls, his smiles, his warmth, his incredible memory, his singing, and his devotion to the people in his life.
Ed is survived by his two brothers, Kenneth Olshansky (Karen) and Norman Olshansky (Beverly); his nephews and nieces, Josh Olshansky (Laurie), Jordan Olshansky, Lauren Cohen, and Jana Braswell (Peter); and his many great-nephews and great-nieces. He also leaves behind countless cousins, extended family members, dear “best” friends, and loved ones whose lives were made richer by knowing him.
A graveside service will be held on Sunday, September 20th, at noon at the Jewish Cemetery 1817 Kecoughtan Road, Hampton. For those unable to attend it will be on Zoom https://us06web.zoom.us/j/3630867124.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of his synagogues or a charity of your choice.