Edward Philip Yellin

Edward Philip Yellin, MKC, retired US Coast Guard Reservist, proudly served for nearly 28 years; and a retired Maintenance Mechanic for 35 years at Florida International University (FIU), North Miami, Florida, died Sunday, June 16th, 2024, Father’s Day, at his home in Arden, North Carolina.

He was 76 years old and was battling Parkinson’s disease. Ed was a loving and faithful husband and devoted father. He was surrounded by family at the time of his death along with other caregivers and friends.

Edward was born on March 21st, 1948 in Brooklyn, NY and graduated from Thomas A. Edison High School. He was a tenor in his high school chorus and he always loved to sing. He enjoyed working at a Brooklyn marina and was always proud to be a Brooklynite.

He moved to Miami, Florida from Brooklyn with his family when he was 25 years old. Soon after, Ed worked at Florida International University (FIU) North Campus and eventually the Biscayne Bay Campus where he made many friends among coworkers. Every day he looked forward to going to his job at the University, a second family. If he wasn’t riding his bike to campus to catch a bus up to North Campus, he was riding along with his friend and coworker Abraham, who has stayed, constantly, in touch. His two immediate bosses, Ed Furnas and Mathew Mielke were always by his side when he was hospitalized in 2014.

Growing up, he loved to work on old cars with his brother Bruce, and together, they had many funny stories to tell. Also, he enjoyed scuba diving, carpentry, and most of all, he loved being with his immediate and extended family; and later, after marrying and having children, he enjoyed going to band and choral performances by his children.

He met his future wife, Susan Marino Holtzman at FIU and they were later married in 1988 at Temple Beth Tov in West Miami by Rabbi Max Shapiro. Ed and Susan shared the same birthday, March 21st, as well as their love for music, art, and history among other subjects. Later, confined to home, they celebrated Shabbat together and sang along to music, especially, by Joshua Aaron, which brought shalom and joy in their home.

He is survived by his loving wife, Susan Marino Yellin, now residing in Arden, NC; his children, Seth Aaron Yellin, residing in the Philippines; Sean Michael Yellin, a proud Marine Sergeant, now a civilian in Miami, Florida; Skye (Daniel) Levi Yellin of Richmond, Virginia; Gina Ilene Holtzman, stepdaughter in Arden, NC; Brian N. Bloi, stepson, in Asheville, NC; Brian’s wife, Rachael Hammer Bloi, and daughter-in-law; and their son Cole S. Bloi, also Ed’s and Susan’s only grandchild who brought them joy.

He is also survived by his only brother whom he loved very much, Bruce Alan Yellin, of Berkeley Heights, NJ and his wife Alice Avrutin Yellin, and their sons and Edward’s nephews, David Yellin in North Carolina and his wife and daughter Cassie and Teagan; and Stephen Yellin and his wife Dana and son Jesse Samuel in New Jersey. Ed was proud to be a great uncle. Among other surviving family members are cousins Lee and Lois Spitzer and their children Joshua and Larisa.

Ed left behind many dear friends, especially, among coworkers at FIU, where he jokingly replied, “FIU Who?” He would pass them by at work and saying, “Good job!” Although he worked for Physical Plant at FIU, many of the other departments would invite him over regularly to join in their festivities.

Ed was predeceased by his loving parents Samuel Yellin and Lucille Zwillenberg Yellin, also originally from New York, who passed away in North Miami Beach, Florida. He was also predeceased by his mother-in-law Peggy whom he loved dearly.

A memorial service will be held in the near future at Temple Beth Shiloh in Arden, NC. The time and date will be announced at a later.

Contributions in Ed’s memory may be made to LoveIsrael.org at 6355 N Courtenay Parkway
Merritt Island FL 32953 United States, or to the Parkinson’s Foundation in his memory.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.