Obituary of Edward J. Hinz

Edward Joseph Hinz was born on November 12, 1923, in Chicago, Illinois. Edward passed away on November 5, 2025, just one week before his 102nd birthday. He was the oldest son of John and Martha Hinz in a family of 6 children, with Rita Willing, his youngest sister, being the only one remaining.

Edward went to grade school at St. Hyacinths, and in 1942 he graduated Leo High School in Chicago where he attended on a music scholarship. He loved music, and in 1949 played trombone at Carnegie Hall with the Metropolitan Bell Symphony Orchestra. In his later years, he participated in the Great Neck Community Band playing at local parks and events.

In 1942, Edward enlisted in the Navy as WWII began. He participated in the invasion of Normandy and was awarded the Liberty Medal by the French Consulate years later. Edward also served at Iwo Jima. He wrote a book on his experiences titled “The USS Blessman and I”, and participated in a Barnes & Noble writers group.

After the war ended, he started working for the phone company and was trained on the job to become a data network engineer. He retired after 42 years with the company. Edward marched in the Gay Rights Parade in Huntington, NY, supporting his grandson, and did a TV commercial for the Human Rights Campaign. Into his 90’s, he continued to participate in a Silver Sneakers exercise class and was a regular at the Panera Bread restaurant in Garden City Park, New York. On July 25, 1948, he married the love of his life, Mary Hinz. Mary left this world for Heaven in 2007 after 59 years of marriage.

Edward and Mary had 4 children: Martha, Michael, Eleanor and Joanie. They also were kind enough to take in two more to raise as their own: Kathleen and Colleen. They bought a new house in Mineola, NY, in 1950, which Edward kept until his death. He is survived by 5 of his children, 15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

Edward was kind, patient, optimistic and loving in every situation, and he was loved by many.