Edward Charles Schild

In Loving Memory of Edward Charles Schild

A Life Well-Lived and Deeply Cherished

It is with profound sadness, tempered by deep gratitude for a life so fully lived, that the family of Edward Charles Schild, known affectionately to all as “Eddie,” announces his passing on August 4, 2025. After bravely enduring several years of declining health and an unexpected stroke, Eddie is now at rest, his journey on this earth complete.

Eddie was a man defined not only by his passions and pursuits, but also by the unwavering love, dedication, and integrity with which he approached every aspect of his life. Born into the legendary Schild family – a spirited band of five brothers who left an indelible mark on Central Florida – Eddie grew up amidst camaraderie, adventure, and the deep bonds of brotherhood. Together, “The Schild Boys” roared through their youth, cherished each other’s triumphs, and weathered life’s inevitable storms with loyalty and laughter.

From a young age, Eddie demonstrated an extraordinary enthusiasm for athletics, excelling in both baseball and softball—not merely as a pastime, but as a calling that enriched his life and the lives of those around him. His prowess on the field was matched only by his devotion to the teams he loved most: the St. Louis Cardinals in baseball and the Seattle Seahawks in football. Whether celebrating victories or enduring defeats, Eddie’s faith in his teams never wavered, showcasing the loyalty that defined him in all things.

His love for the game extended beyond fandom. Eddie was a meticulous statistician, keeping detailed records of games, rosters, and statistics that rivaled those of professional analysts. His passion for baseball and football was more than a spectator’s pursuit; he was a scholar of the sports, dedicating countless hours to studying scouting reports, poring over almanacs and newspapers, and soaking in broadcasts on radio and television, always eager to glean and share new insights.

Outside of sports, Eddie distinguished himself during his accomplished career in the aviation industry, a source of immense pride for him, and a testament to his strong work ethic and technical acumen. When not at work, he found solace and joy in music, especially classic rock. His admiration for The Beatles was legendary among friends and family; he regarded them as the greatest band of all time and could recite their lyrics, histories, and discographies at a moment’s notice. Eddie’s encyclopedic knowledge of music, particularly the classic rock genre, made him an unrivaled conversationalist and fierce debater, especially when accompanied by his beverage of choice, a well-crafted 7&7, and his close friends and family. Few could match his wit, depth of knowledge, or passionate defenses of his musical opinions.

But, above all else, Eddie’s greatest source of pride and happiness was his family. He was the devoted and adoring husband of Vicki Lynn Schild (née Maassen), his beloved partner and the center of his universe for more than four decades. Their marriage, which began with love at first sight and blossomed into a partnership of more than 44 years, was a beacon of mutual respect, affection, and unwavering commitment. Vicki was, in every sense, the anchor and guiding light of Eddie’s life.

Together, Eddie and Vicki nurtured their greatest legacy, their daughter, Cynthia Melissa “Cyndi” Poskevich. Eddie showered Cyndi with unconditional love, support, and encouragement, always taking immense pride in her growth into the remarkable woman she is today: a dedicated and award-winning educator, a nurturing mother, and a loving wife. Their relationship, at times marked by butting heads and the renowned Schild stubbornness, was characterized by deep mutual admiration and affection. Eddie’s pride in Cyndi knew no bounds, and he cherished their every conversation and shared milestone. In addition to his wife and daughter, Eddie is survived by his son-in-law, Daniel Bardin Poskevich II, and step-grandson, Michael Vaden Poskevich.

Eddie also leaves behind his brother, Chris Schild, as well as nephews David Schild (son of Chris), Jesse Schild, and Michael Schild (sons of Kurt), each of whom he regarded with affection and pride. Eddie was preceded in death by his brothers Mike Schild, Jeff Schild, and Kurt Schild, all of whom he dearly loved and whose spirits, we trust, welcomed him with open arms in the life beyond.

Eddie’s warmth, generosity, humor, and zest for life were felt by all fortunate enough to cross his path. His laughter was robust and infectious, filling every space with joy and comfort. He was a gifted storyteller, weaving together fact and legend with a sparkle in his eye that left his audience both entertained and inspired. Whether watching Cyndi’s youth team, captaining his beer league softball team, or recounting wild tales from Schild family history, Eddie believed the best moments in life were those shared with loved ones…preferably with some classic rock playing in the background.

A man of strong opinions and even stronger convictions, Eddie welcomed lively debate, especially on matters of sports and music. Those who dared to challenge his ranking of The Beatles’ albums or his statistical analysis of major league players quickly learned to come prepared for rigorous, good-natured argument. His home and his heart were filled with the tangible evidence of a life well-lived: polaroids of Eddie and his brothers in their youth, ticket stubs from baseball games and concerts past, well-thumbed Beatles biographies and albums, baseball almanacs worn from study, and hand-written box scores, each one a testament to his many passions, and each a piece of the legacy he leaves behind.

Though our hearts ache with the loss of Eddie, we find comfort in the knowledge that he is now reunited with his beloved brothers, catching a double-header beyond the clouds, perhaps even debating musical rankings with John Lennon himself, or discussing baseball stats with Lou Brock. The stories, laughter, and love that Eddie shared with us will endure, inspiring and uplifting us in the years to come.

As we gather to honor and remember Edward Charles Schild, let us raise a glass – preferably a 7&7 – in his honor, and celebrate a life defined by love, loyalty, humor, and a relentless pursuit of joy. In the immortal words of his favorite band, “And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.” Eddie’s life was a testament to that enduring truth. Farewell, Eddie. May your next inning be filled with music, baseball, and the company of those you love. Until we meet again, your spirit will live on in our hearts and memories.

The Schild Family has asked that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation in his name, as he requested to support Vicki’s ongoing battle with this horrific disease. We look forward to celebrating Eddie’s life with friends and family soon; details regarding a celebration of life for Eddie are forthcoming.