Obituary of Edward Albert Loikits
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Edward Albert Loikits, who left us peacefully on Wednesday, July 10 at 83 years old. Edward was born on July 5, 1941, in Clifton, New Jersey, and called this state his home throughout most of his life.
Edward was born and raised in Clifton. He attended Pope Pius XII Catholic High School before graduating at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey. There he received his Bachelor of Science in Physics. During this time met his future wife, Regina. They married in January of 1966. He began his graduate work at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY before moving to St. Louis, Missouri to obtain his Master's Degree in Applied Mathematics at Washington University. Edward and Regina were in St. Louis for 5 years with part of his time spent working for McDonnell Douglas. Upon returning to New Jersey they lived in Branchburg for ten years, Millington for twenty-six years, and finally settled in Warren for the last seventeen years. He was a brilliant mind and expert in the field of Computer Science. Edward had a career spanning almost 30 years at Bell Laboratories, and then AT&T, before retiring in 1998.
Edward's passions were as vast as his intellect. An avid Corvette enthusiast, he was also an excellent photographer, leaving his family a treasure trove of memories captured through his lens. He had a refined taste for fine wine, which he loved collecting and enjoying. Edward relished the open road, taking numerous road trips across the United States and including a memorable two-month journey through Asia with his beloved wife. He also very much loved time spent with his two dogs Buddy and Abby. A lover of old movies, sports, and music, Edward's extensive CD collection is a testament to his eclectic taste. His keen interest in the stock market kept him engaged throughout his retirement years. Retirement also saw him called upon many times to babysit his cherished grandchildren, always finding new ways to entertain them and make them laugh.
Edward leaves behind his loving wife of 58 years, Regina, their children, son Scott and his wife, Jackie, daughter Jennifer Barrett and her husband, Craig. He was a beloved grandfather to Jack, Allie, Brandon, and Rowan. He is also survived by his younger sister, Joan Cirelli, and younger brother, Mark Loikits. Friends and Family alike will never forget his winning smile, compassion, and heart.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 14, from 2 PM to 5 PM at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, New Jersey. A funeral service in his honor will follow on Monday at 11 AM at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery, 145 Mt. Airy Rd., Basking Ridge, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in memory of Edward.
Edward's legacy of wisdom, kindness, and curiosity will live on through the many lives he touched.
