RESNICK EDWARD S., 77, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Miami Beach on August 14, 2003. He is survived by his adored and adoring wife of 53 years, Phyllis; beloved daughter, Patricia and cherished grandchildren, Alexandra and Connor, much loved daughter-in-law, Gail; and her three children, Andreas, Nick and Annika, extremely close and dearly loved sister- in-law, Lillian; brother-in-law, Spencer; nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces, Jordan, Marla, Larry, Marie, Alex, Eric, Brian, Nicole, Keeley, Diana, Max, Elizabeth, Mia and Nicky. Edward was born on February 23, 1926 in New Haven, Connecticut. He moved to Miami Beach in 1936 at the age of 10 and graduated from Miami Beach Senior High. During World War II, he served in the United States Navy. Following his military service, he graduated from the University of Florida with B.A. and J.D. degrees, both of which were received with highest honors. Upon graduation in 1950, he became a member of the American and Florida Bar Associations. Edward began his legal career at the firm of Broad and Cassel, later joining the firm of Courshon and Courshon. Edward and Phyllis were married in 1950 in New York City. In 1954, Edward contracted polio and remained a quadriplegic and full time wheelchair user. Overcoming this obstacle with his signature intelligence, style, strength and grace, in 1956 Edward opened a law office on Lincoln Road as a sole practitioner. He joined the firm of Abrams, Anton, Robbins, Resnick and Schneider in Hollywood, Florida as a senior partner in 1964. Edward became known as the father of condominium law in the southeast. His successful law practice specialized in condominium, real estate and banking law until his retirement in 1982. Edward's retirement was marked by enormous and energetic activity dedicated to the public good. He remained a non-practicing, but active member of the Florida Bar. During this period, he spent many years as either a member or chairman of several advisory committees for the City of Miami Beach and Miami Dade County. Specifically, he served as a member of the Committee on Disabililty Issues (CODI) for Miami Dade County and Chairman of both the South Pointe Advisory Board and the Barrier Free Environment Committee for the City of Miami Beach. He served as vice president and president of the Board of Directors of the South Pointe Towers Condominium Association for a total of nine years. In 1998, together with his wife, Phyllis, he founded a not-for-profit Florida corporation, "Access Now, Inc.", which is dedicated to bringing about as much accessibility as possible to as many members of the disabled community as possible. Using his legal expertise and passion, he gave his time voluntarily on virtually a full-time basis. Access Now has grown to a nationwide organization and all those who have been involved in it under the leadership of Edward are extremely proud of its many important accomplishments. Edward and Phyllis have been long time members of Temple Beth Sholom, as well as avid supporters of the performing and cultural arts. They were seen frequently at many varied events around the community. Edward will be remembered, admired and loved by those whose lives he touched. His spirit soared, his reach was grand. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 17th in New York City at Parkside Memorial, 98-60 Queens Blvd., Forest Hills, NY at 12 noon. A future memorial service will be held in Miami Beach at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to "Access Now, Inc.", 400 South Pointe Drive, #1004, Miami Beach, Florida 33139. To visit this Guest Book Online, go to www.herald.com/obituaries.
Published in the Miami Herald from 8/16/2003 - 8/17/2003.