Edward Paul Pollack, Jr., 76, of Holmdel, N.J., passed away on August 29, 2024, of pancreatic cancer.

Born in Perth Amboy, N.J., on August 18, 1948, to the late Edward Paul, Sr. and Estelle (Stella) Ferretti, Ed grew up in Avenel, N.J..  Ed graduated from Woodbridge High School and then with honors from both Middlesex County College with an AS and the University of West Florida (UWF) with a BS in Biological Sciences and Chemistry.  Ed served proudly in the Army Reserve (2 Years) and the National Guard (8 Years) with special involvement in the Governor’s Youth Program.

Ed began his career at Merck and Co., Inc. as a staff microbiologist in the pneumococcal vaccine program that led to the development of Pneumovax 23. As Director of Project Management, Ed coordinated the worldwide development of several well-known commercial products in the human (Norfloxacin, Lisinopril), veterinary (Ivomec, Heartgard, Eqvalan, Curatrem, Gastrogard, Tetradure, Enacard), and agricultural (Agrimec, Avid) fields.  He received a Merck Management Committee Award for outstanding project management for his efforts on the development of Ivermectin which was used for numerous animal health products and in humans to prevent river blindness.   As Head of Business Development for a Merck Business Division, he was a member of the Merck licensing and patent committees and handled licensing and distribution arrangements.  Ed worked with the Chairman of Merial (a Merck and Sanofi-Aventis joint venture) to structure and implement R&D Operations, as well as licensing and business review processes.

After his retirement from Merck with 31 years of service, Ed directed the development of R&D collaborations for the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI). Ed handled the establishment of the HIV Neutralizing Antibody Consortium which included 26 universities and research institutions dedicated to create a preventive HIV vaccine and medicines.

Ed first crossed paths with the love of his life, Ellen, at UWF, when he boldly approached her work-study desk and asked her to “go grooving.” Their deep and enduring love blossomed over the years. Together, they raised their family in Westfield, NJ where they resided for 50 years, while sharing a lifelong romance reminiscent of a Nicholas Sparks’ novel.

In “semi”-retirement, Ed and Ellen split their time between their homes in The Village Grande at Holmdel (Holmdel, NJ) and Palm Beach Leisureville (Boynton Beach, FL).  Ed cherished staying active with Ellen, watching Villanova basketball, playing bocce ball and bowling, gardening, and cooking.  Also, “Coach Ed” invested many hours side-line coaching and cheering on his sons in the swimming pool and later his granddaughters on the soccer field.

Ed will be remembered for his boundless energy and vibrant spirit – he was a real pip. A creative at heart, he had a passion for fishing, cars, and clay shooting with his sons. In addition, Ed had a strong affinity for completing home improvement projects. His inventive and problem-solving nature brought joy and practical solutions to friends and family.

Ed is survived by his wife of 53 years Ellen; son Edward 3D (Ted) and his wife Dara (Schwartzman) of Middletown, NJ, the proud parents of Ed’s spirited granddaughters, Mia and Emma; his son James (Jay), Esq., of Middletown, NJ; and his brother Michael of Avenel, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ed’s memory can be made to No Limits Café (https://www.nolimitscafe.org/donate2/).