Edwin M. Brandes

Edwin (Ed) Brandes, 79, of Clarks Summit, died Friday at Allied Services Hospice Center, Scranton.  He was preceded in death by his wife, the late Phyllis Brick Brandes and sister, Beverly Brandes Bromberg

Born in Brooklyn, NY, son of the late Sidney and Lillian Asnes Brandes, he was a graduate of Scranton Central High School class of 1960 and the University of Scranton.  He served as a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army in Vietnam and was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service.  Upon returning to civilian life, he started his career in the garment industry at Leslie Fay and shortly thereafter began a lifelong adventure operating his own business, Romart Inc., a clothing manufacturer and contractor, which he ran until the early 2000’s.

Ed was an active member of many community organizations including Temple Israel and the Jewish Community Center in Scranton and together with Phyllis they gave their time and energy toward bettering their community and assisting others.  Until his death, he remained a perpetual member of the reunion committee for the Scranton Central class of 1960.

Ed and Phyllis enjoyed travel and loved to have an excuse to visit friends and family across the country and world.  He was an avid skier and golfer, passions that live on in his children and grandchildren.  He cherished his days at Elk Mountain with his kids and ski friends and could be found on the links at Glen Oaks in the warm months.  He had a love for horseback riding and spent many years enjoying and exploring the landscapes of NEPA.  Along with Phyllis, he cheered enthusiastically for the Yankees and happily came along for the ride on her many bridge playing excursions. 

As Dad and Poppy, he took a keen interest in the activities of his children and grandchildren and was always interested in their pursuits and accomplishments and never missed an opportunity to share his enthusiasm or support.

He is survived by his daughter, Jodi Jaspan, and her husband, David, Philadelphia; his son, Jeff Brandes, and wife, Kara, Lexington, MA; grandchildren, Emily Brandes, Luke Jaspan, and Jacob Brandes, as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A graveside service will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at Temple Israel Cemetery, Dunmore, by Rabbi Miriam Spitzer and Cantor Vladimir Aronzon. 

Shiva will be observed at the family home in Clarks Summit on Monday from 2-4 p.m. and then 7-9 p.m. and Tuesday from 7-9 p.m.  For those who cannot come in person, a virtual shiva will be observed on Tuesday from 2-3 p.m. The link is as follows:  https://zoom.us/j/97886508072?pwd=STl0Wld3b1QyUWJ6SWNLR3VES2tEZz09

Memorial contributions may be made to Temple Israel, Scranton, Pennsylvania at (www.templeisraelscranton.org or a charity of the donor’s choosing. 

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