Edward J. Hintz, Jr., 70, of The Villages, Florida and Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin passed away August 20, 2015 in Leesburg, Florida. He was the loving husband of Karen Hintz for 45 years and caring father of son Jason and daughter Kary. Ed graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1968 and retired after 20 years with the U.S. Navy with the rank of Commander. He was a Naval Aviator, served two tours in the Vietnam War, and primarily flew helicopters during his military career. Family, friends, and community were always central to his life. In addition to Florida and Wisconsin, Ed spent many years living in California and Texas. His pastimes included sailing, golf, and “fixing” anything that was slightly broken. Ed was born on April 3, 1945 in Childress, Texas and was the son of the late Edward J. Hintz, Sr. and Catherine (Kay) Hintz. He earned a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California in 1974. Ed will be deeply missed by his wife Karen; sister and brother-in-law Katherine and Walt Trybula of Texas; son and son-in-law Jason Hintz Llopis and Noel Llopis of California; daughter and son-in-law Kary Hintz-Tate and Andy Tate of Virginia; and grandchildren Kathryn Handen-Llopis and Porter Tate. The family will receive friends for a viewing and memorial service at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 25 from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm. The family will also host a “Celebration of Life” reception at the Eisenhower Recreation Center on Wednesday, August 26 from 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia at a later date. Flowers may be sent to Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home at 1511 Buenos Aires Boulevard, The Villages, Florida, 32159. Alternatively, donations may be made to support Villages Honor Flight. Details can be found at: http://villageshonorflight.org/donate.htm.
