Edward Wasserman Obituary

Myself and Mary wish to express our deepest sympathies to the family of dear Dr.Ed. He was a very kind and thoughtful man and we will miss his zest for life and his enthusiasm for our instrument.

It made me very sad to hear of Ed's passing. He was a true gentleman: kind, intelligent, witty, generous. He knew so much about music and clearly loved jazz, classical, and blues, especially. He brought that love to class every Monday. I feel lucky that I got to enjoy his playing and his supportive and engaging conversation for a few years. He was a bright light who will be missed by me and many others. I send sympathy and kindest wishes for comfort to his family.

I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Ed's death. Many times we sat and chatted on the long wooden bench at Old Town School, and he was very supportive and encouraging to me as a new harp player. On a personal note, my father just died, and on the exact same day as Ed. I hope those two meet up there and jam....

Ed always brought his A game into our den of harmonica playing. He gave us fellow students many fine performances. I will miss his enthusiastic presentations.

We were saddened to read about Ed's death. We remember Eileen as a folk dancer accompanied by Ed. Our condolences to the family.

Herman and Helen

I had the pleasure of sitting next to Ed at many of the Monday night sessions. It never ceased to amaze me how dedicataed he was towards his study of the harmoinca and to the music he played. There were a lot of good players in those sessions that I wanted to sound like....But I thought to myself..when I grow up I want to be just like Ed.. My thoughts and prayers are with Ed's family..

Ed and I did not know each other, but I was aware of him since about 2 years ago when I showed up in the level 3 harp class, which convenes before Ed's class. I always took note when I saw him, even by himself at Rosa's one night. Lately I had been vacating my seat promptly at the end of class so as to not inconvenience Ed, who would arrive and patiently wait for his seat, which was actually next to my customary seat, I believe. Well, I won't see Ed standing there waiting any more, which is just how it goes - one way or another we all are moving down the road and going over the horizon. Ed's contribution to the scene will linger for some time, I have no doubt.

Where's Ed? That's what I was thinking to myself, last Monday in Joe's Basement, when I saw his empty chair. I sat directly across from him in harp class and I always enjoyed his free musical spirit and kind manner. Whether it was a gracious smile, his catchy lyrics, or his hip shakin' harp, Ed's groove for life and song will not be forgotten. Thanks, Ed.

My deepest sympathies to Ed's family. I always enjoyed his company. He was warm, an excellent conversationalist, and always the gentleman. I hope I can keep the great enthusiasms in life as he did. God bless you, Ed.

Ed, oh Ed,

I practiced "la cucaracha" all week with you on my mind. You used to play that song so often when I first started harmonica classes with you. I was hoping to see you on Monday in class so you could hear me play it. I actually dedicated it to you before I knew that you had made your transition. I kind of butchered the song but hey, it was the thought that counted. I'll miss you old friend. We all will. See you in the great bye and bye.

Jay Gallagher

Joe's Monday night Blues Harp class has become much more than just a "class". We have all come to enjoy the people for their own personalities, not just for their playing. I can only second the comments from the other harp players here. Ed was a wonderful part of our group. He was dedicated to his music and instrument, driving as far as he did, and his chair will look very empty when we meet again. Thanks for giving to us, Ed.

I had the fortune and gestalt of always sitting on the same side of the room as Ed in Joe's basement harmonica class. His good humor and omniscient ad libs seemed to jive with mine and his harp playing was his version of the most grounded blues in the world.

See you, Ed.

I'm so sorry to hear about Ed. He was the brightest light in the class. He always had a great attitude & a big smile for everyone. I will miss his singing & playing. But most of all his genuine friendliness & humor. He was the first one of Joe's students I'd met & worked very hard to improve. Goodbye my friend.

I love you

buzz..............

I was also a fellow harmonica student with Ed. The class will never be quite the same without him.

He always took the time to compliment you and was always genuinely interested in what you had to say. We'll miss you Ed.

Ed's playing was enjoyed by others beside the level 4 students. Ed often got to the school early and practised in the lobby bringing smiles to many of the other students in the school. I will remember Ed's gentle nature, yet brave determination to play a difficult song. I am sure his love of the blues was a reflection of his love of life and he will be sorely missed.

While I never had the pleasure of meeting Ed, I have the distinct and extreme pleasure of knowing his luminescent daughter, Suzanne. I can only surmise that Ed must have been a pretty wonderful guy to have had a part in creating her. My sincere condolences to the family.

It was a pleasure to have Ed in class. His performances were highly original and his contributions were always informative. Oftentimes, I walked into the Old Town School on my way to class and Ed would be sitting on the bench playing with or talking with other musicians, or quietly reading a paper, or just doodling around with the harmonica. The times I caught his attention, I was always met with a big smile. I'll miss that. And I'll never forget "Joe's Basement".

7 years ago, when I just moved to Chicago from Japan, when I was able to speak very little English, when I had no friend in the U.S., I met Ed in harmonica class. He was the first person who talked to me, very slowly and politely with a warm smile on his face. He was always nice and kind ever since. He was always telling me he liked my guitar.. I liked, I loved playing guitar with him, too.

I will never forget his smile and kindness. Thank you Ed.

My heart and love is with you all, oh how I wish I didn't know what this felt like, but I do.

I love you all

Cheri

I had the pleasure of sitting next to Ed in Joe Filiso's harp class and enjoyed talking to him. Ed always brought something unique to his harmonica performances in class. His style of playing and ability to write clever lyrics were a joy to us all.



Some photos and recordings of him here: http://dviews.com/images/ed/

Ed was such a kind, gentle person with a wonderful sense of humor and a great love of music, especially the harmonica. I am going to greatly miss seeing him every Monday for his singing, songwriting, musical knowledge and harmonica playing but mostly his smile.

I met Ed at Joe's harp class a little over 4 years ago. His comments during class identified him as a true lover of music but none more than the blues. He was always in the mood for a little blues harp. Ed was truly supportive and always seemed genuinely interested in my progress, for which I was most thankful. He will be remembered. Rest easy, bluesman.

my deepest condolences to you Eileen and Tina, Suzanne, Stephanie

and Nadine. Ed was a great person

and will be missed by me as well as

my children, who admired him very

much. Love, Carol

I am another one of Ed's classmates in Joe Filisko's Chicago Blues Harp 4 class at the Old Town School of Folk Music. Ed was a delight and probably the most courageous person in the class. His harmonica and vocals brought lots of joy to his classmates. He taught us all a great deal. Goodbye, Ed, old friend.

i had the honor of meeting ed in harmonica class...his original compositions had everyone laughing up a storm, and it was always a pleasure to listen to him play. i am sure i am not alone when i say that he will be deeply missed.

It is indeed sad news to hear of Ed's passing. He will be missed greatly in Joe's basement on Monday nights, where Ed has been a joy and an inspiration for other blues harp enthusiasts for a long time. He showed me that it is possible to age well with style, and I will remember him for that and hold him as an example.

I am an RN who worked with Dr. Wasserman at Westville Correctional psych. unit.

I was so sorry to hear of his death. He was such a kind, gentle man, and a wonderful doctor to work with. I will always have fond memories of him.