Born on November 1, 1922, in West Point, to Walter and Mary Borinski, Edmund “Ed” J. Borinski was the sixth of eleven children.
Residing in a small, rural, southern town during the Great Depression, the family survived by subsistence farming, trapping, and occasionally making and selling moonshine. Edmund became proficient in all three.
Edmund enlisted into the U.S. Navy in 1942, being one of six Borinski boys serving in the Armed Forces simultaneously during World War II. Ed initially served as a seaman gunner, escorting merchant “Liberty ships” across the Atlantic with war supplies. He was awarded the bronze star for action resulting in the sinking of a German U-Boat in 1943.
In 1946, Edmund transferred into the “Seabees,” the construction force of the U.S. Navy. It was here he acquired his skills as an all around tradesman, ultimately specializing in carpentry. His service in the Seabees took Ed all over the world. His most prestigious posting being at Camp David, Maryland, where he served closely under then President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
It was during his time in the U.S. Navy, while on liberty in San Diego, California, Edmund met his bride of 44 years, Josephine Duenas.
Retiring in San Diego in 1961 at the rank of chief petty officer, Edmund began his second career with the University of California, La Jolla. Working in the carpentry shop, Ed ultimately advanced to become shop foreman. He retired from the University in 1982.
Edmund spent the rest of his life enjoying retirement to the fullest, centered on time spent with family and friends. Activities included yearly trips to his hometown, fishing, having morning coffee with his Navy pals, actively participating in the lives of his two granddaughters as they grew into adults, and most recently relishing in the joy of his great-grandson. He remained both physically and mentally active right up until the very last moments of his life.
Known by many nicknames; “Chief,” “Ski,” “Uncle Ed,” and his favorite, “Grandpa Ed,” Edmund will always be remembered for his even disposition, positive attitude, quick wit, bright smile and humorous and flirtatious nature. Most importantly though for the love, caring and generosity he continually bestowed upon his immediate family and those closest to him.
Edmund died very suddenly from natural causes on Sunday, January 31st, 2016.
Edmund was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine; his brothers, Joseph, Walter, William, Theodore, John and Jacob; and his sisters, Rose, Veronica and Wanda. He is survived by his sisters, Virginia and Helen; son, Donald, and adopted son, William; granddaughters, Sandra and Lindsay; and his great-grandson, Cade.
A graveside memorial service will be held in the summer in Saint Theresa Cemetery.
Please leave online condolences for the family at Vincent Funeral Home.
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