Edwin "Eddie" Ceitlin

Edwin "Eddie" Ceitlin, age 106, of Birmingham, Ala. passed away November 5, 2012. He was born in Odessa, Russia on Sept. 1, 1906 to Lena & Edward Ceitlin of blessed memory. He immigrated to New York in 1910. He graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School in 1924 and graduated from New York University in 1928. He moved to Birmingham, Ala. in 1938 with his loving wife, Sophie Kaplan Ceitlin who predeceased him after 55 years of marriage. His brothers, Morris and Harry, also predeceased him. Eddie was active in ladies retail businesses for over 40 years. He owned The Vogue in Ensley, Homewood & Crestline. He was named "Man of the Year" by the Homewood Chamber of Commerce in 1963. As a long-time, dedicated supporter of the State of Israel, he was proud to encourage others to support and to visit the land he loved. His first of 7 trips began in 1959. In 1961, he was the Birmingham Chairman of Israel Bonds. The only thing that surpassed his love for Israel, travel, and Alabama Football was his love and dedication to Judaism and his family. He was a member of Temple Beth-El, the Collat Jewish Community Center, B'nai B'rith and Z.O.A. He was also a Mason. Mr. Ceitlin is survived by his three children, Margaret C. Biller (Stephen), Bonnie C. Nickol (Sam) and Harold L. Ceitlin (Julie). He is also survived by seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and his extended family: his devoted caregivers, Pat Manley and Linda Wilson. A Graveside service will be held on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Elmwood Cemetery, Birmingham, Ala. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Temple Beth-El's Ceitlin Kiddush Fund, 2179 Highland Ave., Birmingham, Ala. 35205; Birmingham Jewish Foundation's Sophie and Eddie Ceitlin Buz-a-Bus Fund, or the Birmingham Jewish Federation, 3966 Montclair Road, Birmingham, Ala. 35213; or to the charity of your choice. Services are under the direction of Johns-Ridout's Funeral Parlors, 205-251-5254.