In Memoriam: Edmund N. Ansin

In Memoriam

Edmund N. Ansin
1936 – 2020

We mourn the loss of a longtime and loyal friend, Ed Ansin. Humble and kind, he will be remembered for his exceptional leadership, his dedication to community and outstanding philanthropy. His lead gift provided United Way its home, The Ansin Building. Our community has lost a remarkable humanitarian. His legacy will live on.

A quiet and gentle man, Ed Ansin chose to express himself through his actions, rather than words — through extraordinary acts of kindness, generosity and humanity.

A native of Boston and a lifelong resident of South Florida, Ed kept close ties to both communities, actively supporting them through his personal leadership and philanthropy. He generously supported many community organizations, always with a big heart and little fanfare.

He loved his work, his community and, most of all, his family. He would light up anytime he was around or just spoke about any of his three children: Andy, James and Stephanie, and his grandchildren.

A savvy businessman, Ed grew up in broadcasting. As president of Sunbeam Television Corporation, which includes WSVN Channel 7 Miami and WHDH-TV Channel 7 in Boston, he revolutionized the television industry and the way people watched news. His passion for the business never wavered; when others would think of retiring, Ed visited the station almost every day. Early on, Ed also invested in real estate in south Broward and through Sunbeam Properties, a subsidiary of Sunbeam Television, he developed Miramar Park of Commerce, the largest business park in the county.

Ed continues to hold the unique distinction of receiving United Way’s highest honor, the Tocqueville Award for Outstanding Philanthropy, from three communities: Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Boston. He received the award in Miami-Dade in 1996 alongside his lifelong friends, Sue and Leonard Miller.

In 1999, Ed made it possible for United Way of Miami-Dade to purchase a permanent home with a generous lead gift and continued to underwrite capital improvements. United Way’s headquarters, The Ansin Building, is named in memory of his parents, Sophie and Sidney Ansin. United Way’s office in Broward County also bears the Ansin family name.

His father, Sidney, served as campaign chair of United Fund, the predecessor to United Way of Miami-Dade in the early 60s, and it was around this time that Ed and his brother, Ron, began their philanthropic journey with United Way.

The Ansin legacy of service and commitment continues through his children with Andy serving as a member of United Way’s board of directors, and all three siblings as members of United Way’s Tocqueville Society. His brother Ron is also a Tocqueville Society member, both in Miami and in Massachusetts.

In addition to United Way, Ed supported numerous civic organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Best Buddies, the American Red Cross and the Anti-Defamation League, where he has also served on the board. He also supported many programs that serve at-risk youth.

2021-08-05T14:36:10-04:00 August 3rd, 2020|