Edwin Skolnick

• Retired Teacher

Edwin Skolnick, a UFT chapter leader in Queens for more than 25 years before his retirement in 1995, “dedicated himself to the union’s growth and survival,” said Richard Miller, a former UFT vice president for middle schools. “He should be remembered as a dedicated teacher and trade unionist.”

Ed died on Nov. 27, 2020, at age 82 of natural causes.

Miller, now the retiree section coordinator in Nevada, was a UFT district representative when Skolnick was a chapter leader. “Ed served as a chapter leader at IS 125 in District 24 during the turbulent years of our union’s fight for collective bargaining,” Miller said. “He led his chapter through every strike action, cared for every member of his chapter and was a model chapter leader.”

Ed was honored with a Trachtenberg Award for his service.

A teacher for 36 years, Ed spent most of that time teaching social studies to middle school students in Queens. “A consummate professional,” Miller said, “he served as a model and inspiration to those who followed him at IS 125.”

Ed was a UFT member for more than 50 years and served as a delegate at numerous UFT and AFT conventions. After he retired, he was a respected retiree benefits consultant for the UFT Welfare Fund until 2011.

Ed’s daughter, Nora Skolnick, said her father was “a lifelong activist for the voiceless and most especially for workers’ rights.”

Ed and his wife Susan were married for more than 56 years. Together they loved going to the theater and to concerts and traveling around the world. His greatest joy was their family.

Yiddish was Ed’s first language, and he was interested in Yiddish culture, chess, history and all types of music.
In his later years, he enjoyed drawing. Nora described him as a “charming curmudgeon with exceedingly dry wit, often telling one liners or bad puns with a twinkle in his eye.” His smile, she said, could light up a room.

In addition to his wife Susan and daughter Nora, Ed is survived by his son Josh Skolnick; daughters-in-law Laura Davidson and Judy Skolnick; and grandchildren Becky and Alex Skolnick.

Condolences may be sent to Susan Skolnick, 5 Aspen Drive, South Burlington, VT 05043.

Share on Facebook

Share on Twitter

Email to a friend