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When Ed Tancer (Political Science ’82, JD ’85) would come home from work, his wife Susan would often ask the same question: “So, who did you have lunch with today?”

The question would make Ed laugh — he often hadn’t expected to have lunch with anyone that day. Inevitably, though, someone would come to him for counsel, advice or mentorship. Whether it was a colleague at a professional crossroads, the child of a friend seeking a career path, or a community member with a worthy cause, Ed savored the opportunity to help others. 

“Sometimes I’d ask, ‘How did that person even hear about you?’” Susan Tancer said. “He wouldn’t always know. But it didn’t matter.”

It was a quality that Tancer exuded in both his professional and personal life — and one of many things about him that his friends, colleagues and loved ones now miss dearly. On Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, Edward F. Tancer passed away at 59 after contracting COVID-19. His loss was felt at the University of Florida, where he earned a BA in Political Science and a JD; among the colleagues at the Gunster law firm and NextEra Energy whom he impacted during a career spanning more than three decades; and throughout Palm Beach County, where he grew up and went on to serve on numerous boards and foundations. 

To further Tancer’s legacy, Susan and their children, Harrison and Leah,  set up a scholarship in Ed’s name at the UF College of Liberal Arts and Sciences that will support students who have shown a dedication to “direct, personal and private acts” that benefit others’ lives. 

Not that his legacy was ever in doubt: Tancer’s enthusiasm for helping people left a permanent mark on his community’s vocabulary. 

“His name was a verb,” said Carrie Hanna, a colleague at Gunster who considered Tancer a mentor and confidant. 

To be “Tancered” meant that Ed had drawn you into one of his community projects, charitable efforts or professional mentorship opportunities. Sometimes those he solicited would initially resist the pull, but Tancer’s passion and goodwill proved overwhelming. After all, most of them had benefitted from his active involvement and knew its impact firsthand. 

To be ‘Tancered’ meant that Ed had drawn you into one of his community projects, charitable efforts or professional mentorship opportunities.

Becoming a part of his network meant much more than professional opportunity. His efforts extended to people’s personal lives as well. Shortly after Hanna’s father died, she had a trip planned that overlapped with her mother’s birthday. As she agonized over the prospect of leaving her mother alone in a time of grief, Tancer stepped in — he offered to host a birthday party for her. 

“It didn’t matter what circumstance. Anyone looking for a path could count on his help,” Hanna said. “He built a beautiful network of people.”

That network was far-reaching, resonating throughout his community in West Palm Beach, where he was actively involved in local projects, politics and charitable initiatives.

“As Palm Beach County has grown, he grew with it,” said Pam Rauch, a friend who worked with Tancer closely at NextEra and whose son benefited from Tancer’s mentorship. “He felt a sense of responsibility. He was part of shaping this community.”

He treasured his Gator community just as powerfully. At UF, the Ed Tancer Good Deeds Scholarship will make a profound impression by supporting students who exemplify his approach to community engagement, civic responsibility and generosity.

“We all have fond memories of the University of Florida. But if you make that alumni connection and get reinvested in what’s going on campus, it’s pretty exciting,” said Amy Galloway, a fellow graduate of both the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Levin College of Law, who met Tancer in law school and later served with him on an advisory board at UF. 

The scholarship, Susan Tancer said, will encourage students to ask themselves what they can do to be kind to others — just as her husband did. She, along with her children, will select the recipients of the scholarship. 

“I don’t want anyone to tout their achievements. We want to support students whose community leaders and teachers have noticed the little things they did that made a difference,” Susan Tancer said. “That means more to me than any report card.”

Above all, Ed Tancer’s attention and care focused on his family. It’s only fitting that they are extending his influence to the next generation of Gators. 

“The fact that Susan, Leah and Harrison are behind this scholarship would make him so proud,” Rauch said. “Ed would have the biggest smile on his face right now.”

To donate to the Ed Tancer Scholarship Fund, visit: clas.ufl.edu/tancer.

This story appears in the fall 2021 issue of Ytori magazine. Read more stories from the issue.