Edward W. Brickman, of Boston Heights, died July 9, 2002 at his home. Mr. Brickman, 90, was born in Bedford in 1912, and moved to Northfield Center Township on Olde Route Eight in 1919. He farmed the area during the Depression for many years, then worked with his father and brother at Babcock & Wilcox as a machinist until he retired.
Mr. Brickman served his country in World War II as a member of Co. F, 142nd Infantry Regiment. He was inducted into the Army on May 7, 1943 at Fort Hayes, Ohio, and trained at Fort George Meade in Maryland. He fought in battles at Naples, Foggia, Rome, Arno, Monte Cassino, and in the Rhineland.
On May 31, 1944 in Italy, Pvt. Brickman was wounded at Anzio and had to walk six miles down a mountain with a fellow wounded G.I. to get treatment at a dressing station. Mr. Brickman's decorations included a Purple Heart Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars and the World War II Victory Medal. He carried shrapnel in his back and his leg from his war wounds for the rest of his life. Mr. Brickman's World War II exploits are recounted on the web site of the Historical Society of Olde Northfield: http://home.att.net/~HSON.
In 1963 he and his wife moved to Boston Heights. His wife died eight years ago this month.
He was very active in the Akron Racing Pigeon Club, winning many awards, and also kept horses and Nubian goats. To honor his memory, the club has instituted a special, annual race.
Mr. Brickman attended the old Northfield Twin School.
Mr. Brickman was the husband of the late Mary Sopko Simak; step-father of Irene Masink (Ted, deceased); grandfather of Mary Ann Day (Gene,deceased), Walter Masink (Patt), Ted Masink (Sue), Cliff Masink (Debbie); great-grandfather of Susan Kachele (Kevin), Deborah Rizzo (Rick), Wendy Urich (Ray), Eva Marie Loeffler (John), Tammy Hargis, Melanie Masink, Tricia Stevens (Ryan), Wally Masink Jr. (Jen), Teddy Masink, Heather McDivitt (Craig), John Masink, and Cliff Masink; great-great-grandfather of Kevin, Samantha Kachele, Marissa, Derrick, Jenna Rizzo, Jacob, Nicholas, Katherine Urich, Gabrielle, Logan Loeffler, Rachael Hargis, Paige Masink, and Amanda Stevens; son of the late William and Margaret (nee Wertz); brother of Agnes Sopko, deceased (Frank, deceased), Charles Brickman (Jan and Elizabeth Hansen (Bill); uncle of Sally Lance (Joe), Nancy Branford and William Brickman.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Greater Akron Racing Pigeon Club, 1350 Commerce Drive, Stow, 44224.
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