Just 3 days after his 90th birthday and 65th wedding anniversary, Edward P. Samiljan passed away at his home in San Diego, CA. He is survived by his wife Mildred (Rae) Samiljan, his three daughters and their spouses, Susan and Victor Zimmerman, Nancy Samiljan and Robbie Berg and Wendy Samiljan and Bart Naito, and his six grandchildren and spouses, Michael Zimmerman and Kelsey Ripper, Adam and Meg Zimmerman, Sara Berg, Benjamin Berg, Daniel Naito and Emily Naito, his brothers Thomas and James Samiljan, and many nieces and nephews and cousins. Ed was predeceased by his brother Joseph Samiljan.

Ed was born in Lynn, Massachusetts, on February 1, 1928 to Maurice Samiljan and Sarah Selikowitz. He graduated from Bowdoin College in 1951 and joined the family business, Mass Motion Picture Service. In 1976, Ed and Rae moved to San Diego where he was President of the photo finishing division for FedMart stores.

At age 60, instead of retiring, Ed started Samiljan Foto. He won the Inc. Magazine Entrepreneur of the Year Award in San Diego in 1991.

In his later years Ed focused his energies on philanthropy, serving on many boards including the YMCA, UJF, and the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego. Recognizing the need for a Jewish overnight camp Ed became one of the founders of Camp Mountain Chai located in the San Bernardino Mountains. Now in its 13th year, approximately 500 campers each season enjoy Jewish camping.

Among many awards Ed received during his lifetime, Ed was named KPBS Local Hero in 2014.

Funeral services will be held at Congregation Beth Israel, 9001 Town Center Drive, San Diego on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at 2pm with shiva minyan on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings at 7pm at the Samiljan home.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Camp Mountain Chai Scholarship Fund, 4950 Murphy Canyon Rd., San Diego, CA 92123.