The Passing of A Great Gentleman, Edward Stuart Tishman
“I believe the first test of a truly great man is in his humility.”
John Ruskin
Edward Stuart Tishman is one of the greatest men I’ve ever known. I had the great honor of calling him father for the past thirty-one years, but I never lost my sense of awe for the remarkable life he led. I’ve met many celebrities and politicians on my journey, most proved truly disappointing, but my admiration for Mr. Tishman never wavered. What always impressed me most was his tremendous humility in spite of his tremendous talents and achievements. I agree with John Ruskin, this is the mark of an authentically great man.
Another character attribute I admired, and have tried to emulate in my own life, is the great fascination Edward had for a wide array of subjects and his openness and gracious manner with everyone he encountered. His curiosity was infectious whether we were viewing an art exhibit, discussing film or literature, traveling together, exploring the culinary triumphs of the best restaurants in New York or simply enjoying a family night at home, I always left his presence feeling uplifted and excited about the future. Grace, humility, and passion are surely great attributes to have shared with his family and friends.
I will also remember Edward as a devoted father and grandfather. A wise man who was quick to laugh, generous to a fault, and always a source of strength even in the most difficult times. His engineering mind always discerned a solution to every problem and his dry wit found humor when it was needed most. Even when his eldest son was killed in an accident, he conducted himself with dignity and stoicism and in so doing sustained his entire family. He was the embodiment of all a father should be and engrained himself in all our lives so profoundly that we will forever hear his voice in our minds and hearts, guiding us in our lives as he did for so many years. I join my wife Leslie, and our entire family in mourning our dear father, Edward Tishman, but I take solace in knowing that his legacy as a builder, a businessman, a philanthropist, an intellectual, and most importantly as the patriarch of our family assures his legacy forever.
Edward as a toddler, his penchant for building is already evident! He would later build several of the world’s tallest towers.
Edward Stuart Tishman, 1927, His equestrian life already beginning at Age 4.
Young Edward flanked by his brother Billy and his sister Barbara, in New York City’s Central Park in 1929, just after the onset of The Great Depression.
Edward grew up at 885 Park Avenue. Photographed in their library in 1936 are his mother, Amy Apfel Tishman, younger brother William and sister Barbara and his mentor, his father Alexander Tishman.
Young Edward Tishman as a student and member of the ROTC program at Yale University in 1942.
Edward Tishman (Center), Captain of the 1943 Yale Rifle Team.
Following his graduation at Yale University in 1944, Edward attended the Annapolis Naval Academy.
Lieutenant Edward S. Tishman, an officer serving on the U.S.S. Mission Bay. WWII. 1944-1946.
U.S.S. Mission Bay. Edward Tishman served aboard this vessel in the Pacific arena during World War II.
Edward and Jan Tishman on their European honeymoon in 1949. Doris Jeanette Napp and Edward Stuart Tishman were married in New York on March, 31, 1949.
After the war years Edward and Jan created their family including Douglas (left), Leslie, and Andrew on his father’s lap. They were devoted parents and never lost their interest in every detail of their children’s and grandchildren’s lives.
Travel remains a great passion in our family. This is one of my favorite photos showing from left, Edward, his friend Norman Fuerth, Jan Tishman and Joanie Fuerth, about to depart New York for Europe. Oh for the days of glamourous travel!
Destiny ordained that Edward would join his cousins to lead Tishman Construction, the company founded by his grandfather, Julius Tishman, in 1898. Tishman Construction would grow to be one of the largest construction companies in the world, building the tallest skyscrapers in America and Europe. Shown left to right are Edward, John, Peter, Norman (seated), Bob, and Alan in the executive offices of 666 Fifth Avenue. The Tishman building remains a wonderful example of mid-century modern design.
A few of the iconic buildings by Tishman Construction. I remember every detail Edward shared with me about these epic undertakings and I still recall his anguish as he watched his beloved Twin Towers crashing back to earth. It was poetic that New York City again turned to the Tishman family to erect the Freedom Tower.
Edward Stuart Tishman (March 20, 1923- March 12, 2019) and his dear wife, Jan on the day of their son, Douglas Tishman’s wedding.
The equestrian lifestyle was fundamental to the Tishman Clan. Edward and Jan Tishman were fans of fox hunting and hosted hunts in Waitsfield, Vermont. Their passion for the chase would take them to Ireland and to the sandhills of Southern Pines, North Carolina.
Edward defied age and played polo well into his 60s! Although his wife Jan and his daughter Leslie liked to tease him for playing “old man” polo. As a novice, I found it quite impressive!
Edward loved sports of all types. He continued working out into his 80s. He never retired and modeled the benefits of an active life for everyone who knew this remarkable man.
I first met Edward Tishman in 1986, shortly after moving to New York. He was always gracious and welcoming to a southern gentleman who was not Jewish and not a New Yorker. We enjoyed an respectful and warm relationship for more than 30 years.
Three generations of Tishman men and a southern invader on my wedding day in 1988. Standing is Andrew Tishman (left) and Douglas Tishman. Seated is Edward holding his grandson Adam and me holding my nephew Justin. It was a magical day in New York.
Edward Stuart Tishman (March 20, 1923 - March 12, 2019) A Remarkable Gentleman his family and friends will remember and honor forever.