Edwin HIMMLER

Edwin Anthony Himmler, 90, of Lake Havasu City, passed away comfortably in his home with his family by his side on May 19,20IO, after a short battle with cancer.Ed was born March 11, 1920 in Yorkville, Manhattan, New York City. He grew up on 9lst street in Manhattan and spent summers with his family and friends in Rockaway Beach, New York, where he collected many wonderful memories. Many winters were also spent in Florida. He moved to Lake Havasu City with his only child, Edwina, son-in-law, Tom, and granddaughter, Jessica, in 1989 from Bellmore, Long Island.At age 2l.,Ed was drafted into the United States Army prior to Pearl Harbor. He continued his service in Germany, until the end of World War II. In 1959, he married the love of his life, Ellairene (Jill) Gillette. They were married for 27 years, until she passed away in 1987 from ALS.For over 40 years, he was a member of the bartender's union. He tended bar at many of Manhattan's famous night clubs such as: Toot's Shor and P.J. Clark's. He was fortunate enough to meet so many politicians, U.S. Presidents, sports stars, movie and television stars and musicians of the 4O's, 50's, 60's and 70's. He provided us with great stories of the personal experiences he had with these interesting personalities of history that will always be remembered and repeated.Ed was a lifelong fisherman, and enjoyed fishing with his grandchildren, family, and friends. Reading, World History, politics, and sports were among his other passions. He also enjoyed horse racing at Aqueduct and Belmont tracks, and even had a race horse named after him. Going to Laughlin was a favorite pastime, and he often took the bus to the Avi. He could always get talked into pitching baseballs to his grandson, Gunnar, and granddaughter, Tessa. He could never wait to get each of his 4 grandkids in the pool to start teaching them to swim. He was always there to watch and entertain them and residing together, had an active role in helping them become who they are. Ed was a very proud Grandpa and was delighted to see Christian and Jessica grow into responsible, caring adults. Tom and Ed spent countless hours together, solving the world's problems and discussing history. He didn't age, was very sharp, and wanted to make it to 100-we always thought he would! Gpa-we miss you!Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Ellairene (Jill) Himmler; brother, Robert Himmler, Jr.; sister Grace Stone; and parents Laura and Robert Himmler.He is survived by his only daughter and son-in-law, Edwina and Tom Chiesa; and their four children, Jessica, Christian, Gunnar and Tessa Chiesa, all of Lake Havasu City, Arizona; and his youngest sister Eleanor Apuzzo, of South Hampton, New York.A special thank you goes to Hospice of Havasu for their outstanding care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Edwin Himmler's name to Hospice of Havasu, P.O. Box 597, Lake Havasu City, AZ,,86405.

Edwin HIMMLER

May 19, 2010