Edward Andrew Pitoniak

 On a Monday evening in August, Heaven welcomed a man with the most winsome smile on his face. It was a smile that in life could light up a room and if directed at you, would warm your heart and force you to return that engaging grin.

 It belonged to a man who had no fear of change and proved it by the diverse paths of his life. Always a man of character, he displayed tremendous strength and courage to overcome all obstacles put before him. He endured twelve years of declining health with no complaints for ailments and injuries that should have taken a grown man to his knees.

 Edward ‘Ed’ Pitoniak of Hilton Head Island passed away August 17th 2026 peacefully at his home with his devoted wife Pam by his side. Born in Passaic, New Jersey to Andrew Albert Pitoniak and Helen Kassa Pitoniak, he was a true “Jersey Boy” raised in coastal Belmar.

 After attending Asbury Park High School (Close to the Boss’s Stone Pony) and Valley Forge Military Academy, Ed was offered a football scholarship at Wake Forest, where he joined the Deamon Deacons as an offensive guard. His football career was ended with a knee injury that resulted in a damaged joint later proclaimed “The Ugliest” by Orthopedic Dr Charles Hope at St. Joseph in Savannah. This was prior to Dr Hope presenting him with a new “Pretty” knee.

 Hired by DuPont as plant manager for their Old Hickory, TN location he found himself leading a factory filled with women. Of course, he had no problem keeping them in line with his military school background and his engaging personality.

 He relocated his wife and three young children to High Point, NC, for a job working at his father in-law’s clothing store -Arnold Craven Clothier. Upon learning the retail clothing business from a master (Arnold Craven) and family vacations to Hilton Head, a seed was planted. The dream grew and was realized in 1976 when Ed and his wife Pam Craven opened the doors of Andrew Arnold Clothier in the newly constructed Palmetto Dunes HYATT Hotel. 

After 25 years the HYATT ended their management contract with the hotel. Once the clothing store was closed, Ed joined Light House Community Bank (SunTrust) as a mortgage originator. He put his people skills to work and won many awards and trips to warmer climates. SunTrust appointed Ed to spearhead the creation of the HH Area Homebuilders Association Lighthouse Awards. They desired to recognize design excellence and quality craftsmanship in the Lowcountry. The gala was an immediate success and will celebrate its 27th year in November. 

 As a founding member of the Vanlandingham Rotary Club of Hilton Head, Ed served as Treasurer, President and Director. Working in the popcorn wagon for the Heritage Golf Tournament was a highlight in his club tenure. 

Golf was a passion that Ed enjoyed all his adult life. His competitive nature propelled him to victory in many member/guest golf tournaments earning him the name of “Sandbagger”. In his defense, he was always able to elevate his game and exceed his handicap in high pressure situations.

 While living and working in High Point, Ed had a side gig with Alderman Studios as a male model. He worked with Wachovia and numerous other local companies. His face was in catalogs and posted on billboards and buses like a real-life celebrity. After moving to Hilton Head, he modeled for a Hotel Inter-Continental ad featured in the 1988 Golf Yearbook.

 His sense of humor was contagious. These are some Edisms 

“Nothing good happens after midnight” (while the children were at home, later altered to) “Nothing good happens after dark”

 “I am feeling Fair to Middling” (Picked up from his father-in-law Arnold Craven) 

“See you tomorrow if the Lord willing and the creek don’t rise”

 “My name is pronounced like Gin & Tonic just substitute Pit for Gin and you got it” (This led to him being known at SunTrust as Mr. Gin & Tonic)

“Hit it again Lucy” (Uttered on the golf course).

 He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Pam Leffler Pitoniak, twin sons Andrew Pitoniak and Arnold Pitoniak, their mother Pamela Craven, granddaughter Kaitlin Pitoniak, brother Bob Pitoniak (Donna), daughter-in-law Celia Reyes and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ted Pitoniak and his daughter Kathryne who was waiting with open arms to welcome her Daddy home.

 Donations may be made in Ed’s honor to Memory Matters- promoting brain health or First Tee building character through the game of golf.  

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday August 30th at Stellini Italian Restaurant from 2:00- 4:00. All who knew and loved Ed are welcome to join the family at his favorite restaurant on his beloved Hilton Head Island.