Edward “Ed” Jankowski, 72, of Pompano Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 25th, surrounded by loved ones and with his husband by his side. Born in Kingston, New York, and raised in Mahopac, Ed built a life full of love, laughter, and remarkable achievement.

Ed enjoyed immense success in the world of retail. Beginning his career with Liz Claiborne and World Duty Free Stores, he quickly distinguished himself as a creative and dynamic leader. Over the years, he played a pivotal role in the success and innovation of every company he guided. As an active member of the Accessories Council Board and later the COO of Solstice Sunglass Boutique, his leadership helped the company earn a prestigious ACE Award.

He continued to lend his expertise and warmth to every role he took on. At Godiva Chocolatier, where he served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the North American division, Ed brought both business acumen and humor—once joking about staying on the Accessories Council Board because “chocolate is an accessory we wear on our hips.” That was quintessential Ed: witty, self-aware, and endlessly charming.

Later, as part of Luxottica’s Luxury Retail Group, Ed oversaw Ilori Optical, Optical Shops of Aspen, and Persol stores, developing innovative retail concepts and expanding the luxury optical footprint across North America. He went on to serve as CEO of XpresSpa, guiding its growth in airports throughout the U.S. and Europe before eventually “retiring.”

And by “retirement,” of course, we mean serving on every board possible and continuing to make a positive impact everywhere he went. Ed never truly slowed down—he poured his energy into mentoring young professionals, including his niece Jamie, who proudly carries on his legacy.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ed was a devoted father, raising two successful sons, and was blessed with his cherished grandsons, Hunter and Logan, who brought him immense joy.

Later in life, Ed was able to live fully as his true self. In October 2022, he married the love of his life, Patrick Van Den Berg, surrounded by family, friends, and chosen family who had supported him endlessly as he embarked on this new chapter.

Ed was truly the life of the party—his laughter could fill a room, and his energy was contagious. He left a memorable impression on every person he met. Ed had the biggest heart, and everyone who knew him could feel the depth of his kindness and generosity. He loved to travel the world, finding joy and connection wherever he went.

Ed fought a courageous battle with cancer, meeting every challenge with grit, humor, and strength. His motto during the last years of his life was, “Don’t count the days, make the days count,” coincidentally the words of Ed’s first tattoo at the age of 72. Those words perfectly capture the way he lived—fully, joyfully, and with love.

Ed is survived by his beloved husband, Patrick Van Den Berg; his sister and best friend Mary (Tom) Pfiel ; his brothers, Fredrick (Sandy) Jankowski, James (Carol) Jankowski, and Robert (Karen) Jankowski; his sons; and his grandsons, Hunter and Logan Jankowski. He is also remembered with love by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews whose lives he touched deeply.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anna and Frederick Jankowski, and his brother, Ronald Jankowski.

Ed would want his legacy to live on through the way we live our own lives—so order the martini, take that vacation, love with all your heart, and make every minute count.

Celebrations of life will be held in Ed’s honor in both New York and Florida.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ed’s name to the below scholarship fund link supporting LIM University, a school he was proudly associated with and deeply supported throughout his career.

http://weblink.donorperfect.c…

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/ed-jankowski/obituary/

Copy