Norfolk — Edward Warren Banyai, 92, passed away on Monday, June 13, 2016.
A native of the Bronx, N. Y., Mr. Banyai and his wife moved to Norfolk in 1993. He was the son of the late Arpad and Rose Grunwald Banyai and was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Corinne Marie Molinelli Banyai.
Mr. Banyai was a decorated Army combat veteran of World War II and served his country with the 82nd Airborne Division and the Office of Strategic Services. Following the war, he became aware of the injustices toward his fellow veterans fighting for their rights and later marching with Martin Luther King. Mr. Banyai also completed his education after the war, becoming a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University. He then became a union organizer for the International Ladies Garment Workers Union retiring after a storied career of 35 years.
An avid gardener and walking enthusiast, Mr. Banyai, with his wife, loved to stroll through the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. He was an ardent supporter of Israel giving his time and effort to many causes.
Ed Banyai is survived by his children, Diane Banyai of Westchester, N. Y. and David Banyai and his wife Jody Mazur of Norfolk, his grandchildren Danny Ible and David Ible and his wife Molly Hanisch and great-grandson Kai.
A memorial service was held at Temple Israel with Rabbi Michael Panitz officiating. Memorial donations to the Temple Israel Education Fund or the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts. Online condolences may be sent to the family at hdoliver.com.