Edward Michael Eissey

Edward Michael Eissey entered into heaven on December 14, 2017. The son of Lebanese immigrants, Ed was born in Boston, Massachusetts on June 23, 1928. He and his family relocated to West Palm Beach when he was very young, and he began what would be a lifelong commitment to the Palm Beach County area.

After graduating from Palm Beach High, Ed attended both Palm Beach Junior College and Florida State University, earning his bachelor’s degree in education. He devoted himself to academia, continuing on to earn a master’s degree from the University of Florida and a doctorate degree in education from FSU. Ed was a true pillar of the local educational system, serving as a teacher at Palm Beach High, a principal at Greenacres Elementary and as the first principal of Howell Watkins Middle School. In addition, he was the first principal of Palm Beach Gardens High, guiding the school through the tumultuous period of integration.

Eventually, Ed became both the vice-president and president of then Palm Beach Community College, serving in administration there for over 20 years and leading it through a tremendous period of growth. When he retired from education, Ed continued to serve the community as a member of the North Palm Beach Village Council and as mayor of North Palm Beach.

While education was his passion, Ed’s true love was his family. There was little that made him happier than to be surrounded by his family at dinner on a Sunday night. Married 67 years to his beloved high school sweetheart, the late Faye Eissey, he was the proud father of Lynn Ciklin (Alan), E. Michael Eissey Jr. (Gail), and Mark Eissey (Wendy). He was also a loving grandfather to Michael Ciklin (Angie), E. Michael Eissey III, Matthew Eissey and Lauren Eissey. Great-grandchildren Avery and Wyatt Ciklin also brought him so much joy. Ed is also survived by his brother Tommy Eissey and sister Barbara Porcher.

While Ed gave so much to education, he also gave of his time to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He was strongly committed to St. Jude, and served on their Board of Directors – and was chairman for a time – for over 40 years. He often stated that his efforts there were both humbling and of greater significance than any other work in his life.

When he did have time away from his busy schedule, Ed loved sports and gardening. An excellent baseball player in high school and junior college, he enjoyed golf and tennis in his later years. He also spent many happy hours in the yard tending to his fruit trees, grapevines and orchids. However, his favorite place to be was on his boat, “The Happy Snooker”. The self-proclaimed “World’s Best Snook Fisherman”, Ed would often be up well before dawn to go fishing.

A longtime member of Trinity United Methodist Church, and a member of Northwood Methodist Church prior to that, Ed’s faith in the Lord was a vital and sustaining part of his life. He is now in heaven by Faye’s side.

The family would like to recognize and thank Ed’s devoted caregivers in the latter part of his life. To these wonderful women, we owe a debt of gratitude: Annie Reynolds, Marcia Dewar, Audrey Hart and Barbara Fox.

A celebration of life will be held Thursday, December 21, at 2 p.m. at the Eissey Campus Theatre, located at 11051 Campus Drive in Palm Beach Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Trinity United Methodist Church of Palm Beach Gardens.