In Memoriam, Edward Berlinski

The Department mourns the loss of Ed Berlinski, Lecturer in Professional Writing, who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on May 6, 2009.

Ed Berlinski, Lecturer in Professional Writing, suffered a seizure and passed away at his home on the morning of May 6. He was 48.  A much beloved colleague, teacher and scholar, he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

"[Ed] loved teaching his students at the university," said Lucretia Berlinski, his wife, to the Diamondback.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 11, 2009 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Cheverly, Maryland. A private burial service will take place in Connecticut later this week.

Anyone wishing to send a card or condolences to the family may do so by e-mailing Helen McClung in the Professional Writing office. The PWP is collecting anecdotes about Ed for a memorial book. Anyone wishing to contribute should also contact Helen.

Donations may be made in Ed's name to the Epilepsy Foundation.

Ed earned an MFA from American University and his PhD from Catholic University. Since 1990, he had taught at Catholic University, Johns Hopkins University, and other area institutions. He later joined the Professional Writing Program at the University of Maryland, where he has taught Business Writing, Technical Writing. In 2003, he won a grant from the Center for Teaching Excellence to assess gains made in writing by students who took English 391.

Outside academia, Ed had more than ten years experience working in the public and private sectors as a writer and editor, specializing in technology, public affairs, marketing, and proposals.

You can read the Diamondback article on  Ed's passing here.