Edward Wilk

Edward D Wilk of Accokeek, Md. died Wednesday October 3, 2018 after a brief illness at the University of Maryland Capital Region Health Hospital with his wife Sylvia by his side. He was 76. Born in New Bedford, MA, he was the son of the late Edward W Wilk and Adela Wilk and brother to Roberta Horsfall. He was predeceased by his loving wife Eileen Wilk in 1998. Edward was the beloved husband of sixteen years to Sylvia Wilk. Edward was a 1961 graduate of New Bedford H.S. where he was All-State on the football team and a pitcher in the baseball state finals, he graduated from U Mass Amherst and the Culinary Institute of America at Yale. He was a trained chef that could do it all from gourmet dinners, ice carvings to fancy desserts. After graduation Edward was employed by Morry's on York Street on the Yale Campus before being drafted in 1968 and joining the United States Air Force. After serving a tour in Viet Nam Edward's career in the Air Force brought him to Washington DC and the Andrews AFB and Bolling AFB. He was the protocol chef and Airman Aide for many four star Generals during his career. He planned the menus and cooked the meals for protocol parties primarily at the Generals residence. He created as a Chef and traveled one week a month around the world with the Generals. Edward traveled to China with the Nixon trip in 1973. Edward attained the rank Master Sergeant by staying at this rank he could interview for and choose to accept assignments. During his time in Washington DC Edward wore a suit for his duties and had to buy a uniform to retire. Edward retired from the Air Force after 24 years at a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden in 1992. Edward and his first wife Eileen were involved in showing and breeding their Konton Tibetain Terriers. They set many records some of which still stand in the breed including winning at Westminster Kennel Club and having their dog photographed for the cover of books on the breed and Sports Illustrated. During his time in the Air Force Edward built and renovated homes, he helped many homeowners with their renovation plans. He traveled the world before and after retirement, he traveled to Hawaii and Europe often. Edward loved his country, travel, the beach in Hawaii, football and movies. He cherished his family and friends but most of all Edward loved his wife Sylvia and the time they spent together, they loved to be together. He enjoyed traveling, sharing his travel experience and culinary passions with everyone. He was a joy to be around. He loved to attend a good auction and loved sharing his homebuilding knowledge. He enjoyed helping others and seeing their projects come to fruition. In addition to his beloved wife Sylvia, Edward is survived by his sister Roberta Horsfall and her husband David of East Freetown MA, his niece Stacey Maloney and her husband Tim of New Bedford MA, his nephew Andrew Horsfall and his wife Lauren of Long Island, NY, his cousin Louanda Reade and her husband George of Mattapoisett MA, his cousin Guy Panek and wife Darlene of Haiku, Hi as well as many other nieces and nephews and cousins. He was a loving husband, uncle, cousin brother-in-law and loyal friend. He will be deeply missed by all who came to know him. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Edward’s memory to UNC Medicine, PO Box 1050, Chapel Hill NC 17514 write in that it is for Dr. Scott Commins Alpha-Gal research or in Edward’s memory at UNC medicine online at https://uncmedicine.org/giving/ways-to-give-/tributes/ Ed was bitten by a tick in 2014 and developed the Alpha-Gal/Meat Allergy. Dr Commins helped to discover this allergy and treated Edward for the past 4 years. Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a late date. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Edward Wilk please visit our Sympathy Store.