Assembly Resolution No. 108
BY: M. of A. Walker
CELEBRATING the life and accomplishments of Edward
John Louis, devoted family man, former NYPD police
officer and dedicated member of his community
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, With deep regret this Legislative Body records the passing
of Edward John Louis on Sunday, February 21, 2021, at the age of 86,
noting the loss of a citizen whose purposeful life and endeavors
contributed so much to the quality of life in his community; and
WHEREAS, Edward John Louis, affectionately known to many as Eddie,
was born on October 14, 1934, to Eugenia (Stephens) and Errold Louis in
New York City; he was raised in Harlem where he played basketball in
Mount Morris Park, boxed in Golden Gloves competitions, and was educated
in the New York City Public School System, graduating from the Boys High
School; even at the young age of five, he knew he had found the love of
his life when he met his future wife of 57 years, Tomi Laureta Hawkins,
in his Kindergarten class; and
WHEREAS, In 1955, Edward John Louis began his 30-year career in law
enforcement, when he was hired by the City of New York as a Patrolman in
Manhattan; he quickly rose through the ranks, holding the titles of
Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Inspector, and Inspector; his
assignments included the 32nd precinct in his beloved Harlem and a stint
as commanding officer of the 73rd Precinct in Brownsville, Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, Edward John Louis was a life-long member of the Guardians
(a Black Fraternal Order of Police) and a proud member of the National
Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE); and
WHEREAS, In 1986, after retiring from NYPD, Edward John Louis
continued his work in law enforcement supervising investigators with the
New York Legal Aid Society; and
WHEREAS, A man of many interests and passions, Edward John Louis
understood the importance of a healthy lifestyle and competed in and
completed numerous marathons and distance races through the Road Runners
Club; he enjoyed studying American social history, handicapping horse
races and travelling, but above all, he loved spending time with his
beloved family; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, his wife, Tomi, his sister
Elaine Atherton, and his brother Anthony Louis, Edward John Louis is
survived by his three daughters, Pamela, Lisa (Reginald) and Ellen; two
sons, Errol (Juanita) and Edward; one sister-in-law, Ollie Hawkins; four
grandsons, Terrence, Alex-Jamal, Christopher, and Noah; one great-grand-
son, Branson; and life-long friends, John Clark and Charles Ritzberg, as
well as numerous colleagues from NYPD and New Rochelle Parents Advisory
Committee for the Developmentally Disabled; and
WHEREAS, Edward John Louis' life was a portrait of service, a legacy
which will long endure the passing of time, and will remain as a
comforting memory to all he served and befriended; and
WHEREAS, Edward John Louis' name is synonymous with character,
dignity, intellect, depth and humor, qualities evident to his family and
to all those who were fortunate enough to have known him; he will be
deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative
Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and accomplishments of Edward John Louis, devoted
family man, former NYPD police officer and dedicated member of his
community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Edward John Louis.
