07/21/2025
Edward M. Shiner
1945-2025
Edward M. Shiner, 80, of Brooklyn, New York, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on July 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born and raised in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, which he fondly called his “Lebanese village in Pennsylvania,” Ed was the son of Howard and Catherine (Shemas) Shiner.
Ed was preceded in death by his sister Charmaine, brother Howard, and sister LaVonne Elias.
He is survived by six adoring nieces and nephews: Howard J. Shiner III (Kimberly), James Elias, Catherine Shiner, Candice Shiner-Tohme (Zakaria), William Elias (Heather), and Annie Elias West (Robert). Ed was also cherished by numerous great and great-great-nieces and nephews and countless friends whom he considered family. He was “Uncle Ed” to so many!
A 1963 graduate of G.A.R. High School in Wilkes-Barre, Ed pursued his passion for music, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Piano Performance from Wilkes University (1967), followed by a Master’s in Music, History and Literature from Temple University (1970.) After a few years of teaching public school, giving private piano lessons, and being a ballet pianist, he entered the small family business full-time, Howard Shiner Candies, established by his brother and sister-in-law, Theresa. Following the sudden death of his brother in 1974, he continued the business for another nine years.
Ed’s professional journey was marked by his religious ardor, dedication and impact. In 1983, Ed moved to Brooklyn, New York, and accepted a newly created position as Executive Director of the National Apostolate of Maronites (NAM). He opened its national office in Brooklyn and over two decades, transformed NAM into a thriving organization with structured staff, scholarship programs, youth and adult ministries. His leadership strengthened ties of faith, heritage and service, leaving a lasting legacy. Ed’s counsel, laughter, and unwavering faith made him a trusted advisor and dear friend to many.
In 2006, Ed joined the Lebanese American University (LAU) as Director of Alumni Relations and Special Projects. His tireless efforts grew LAU’s North American alumni network into a vibrant community with fifteen active chapters. Ed organized countless galas, board meetings and special events, playing a pivotal role in establishing LAU’s New York presence. In honor of his upcoming retirement and his dedication to giving back, the “Edward M. Shiner Endowment Scholarship Fund” was created in Ed’s honor.
Ed loved “The Big Apple” and immersed himself in the city’s vibrant arts, theater, and cultural scene for 42 years. He was an expert tour guide for family, friends, and strangers alike, always eager to showcase New York City and its hidden gems. If you ever had the privilege of experiencing one of his private tours, you would know that no one ever found the perfect parking spot quite like Ed!
He was a volunteer for Recording for the Blind from 1987 until 2006. He was a member of the West Village Chorale since 1991. His 34-year dedication to the WVC has clearly left an indelible mark on the organization and its community. Growing the chorale from a small group to a robust ensemble of 70 singers, tackling a diverse and challenging repertoire, speaks to his vision and leadership. His versatility in roles like President and Treasurer, combined with his knack for problem-solving (“Ed had a guy”), highlights his resourcefulness and commitment.
A lifelong traveler, Ed’s adventures began as a chaperone and tour guide for young students, sparking a passion for exploration that took him across the globe. His frequent travels to Lebanon, particularly his beloved ancestral village of Hardine, reflected his deep pride in his Lebanese heritage.
Above all, his faith, family and heritage remained at the heart of Ed’s life. His immediate and extended family were an integral part of who he was; he took great pride in maintaining family connections. He worked extensively on a detailed family tree to preserve family history and helped to organize all family reunions.
Ed always quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson and aspired to live by these words:
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate and
to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
Ed’s legacy, that of a honorable gentleman, a mentor and a legend in his own right, will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and the countless lives he touched and the communities he served with faith, humility, and love.
A funeral mass will be held at 11 AM on Friday, August 8, 2025 at St. Anthony and St. George Maronite Church. 311 Park Ave. Wilkes-Barre, PA. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 9 AM until 10:45 AM at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Lebanese American University or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Ed’s honor.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, Wilkes-Barre.
Online condolences can be made by visiting Ed’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com