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Celebrating the life of
Edward Robert Bilik
April 21, 1935 - March 17, 2024
Edward Bilik passed away March 17, 2024, from heart related issues at Emory University Mid-Town Hospital in Atlanta, GA. He was 88 years old. Ed was the youngest of seven children born to Joseph and Ernestine Bilik of Endicott, NY. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings: brothers Joseph and Anthony and sisters Antoinette Wheatley, Mildred Russo, and Helen and Mary Bilik.
He is survived by his loving wife of more than 53 years, Geraldine Schmidt Bilik, son Darrin Scott Bilik, his wife Melissa, and grandson Wesley Robert Bilik.
He attended Union Endicott High School in Endicott, NY and received his BS (1957) and MS (1962) in Physical Education from Springfield College (the Birthplace of Basketball), and his Doctorate in Education from the University of Oregon in 1966.
During his undergraduate years at Springfield College (SC), Ed was a standout baseball and basketball player. As a sophomore he played first base for the team that went to the College World Series in Omaha, NE and captained the baseball team his senior year. He was also a New England All-Star basketball guard that year.
After graduating, Bilik taught Chemistry and coached both Men’s and Women’s Basketball at Seton High School in Endicott, NY. He returned to Springfield Collage as Head Coach of Men’s Golf and Assistant Coach of Men’s Basketball. Bilik then spent 20 years as the Head Coach in Men’s Basketball. He compiled 322-196 record for a 62.2% winning percentage. His teams participated in seven NCAA Division II tournaments and had 18 winning seasons. Ed Bilik was voted New England Coach of the Year in 1970 and again in 1980. He retired from coaching in 1986.
During his career Bilik worked with a number of international coaches through the college’s International Exchange Program. He has conducted clinics in Central and South America, as well as in Europe.
During the off-season Bilik was very much involved with youth sports in his hometown, coaching youth baseball teams each Summer.
He was a member of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Rules Committee from 1997-2010 and served as Secretary Rules Editor responsible for editing the NCAA Men’s Basketball Rules Book. During his tenure as Rules Interpreter, he compiled over 500,000 survey responses, gave over 5,000 rules interpretations, and issued over 250 rules memorandums/play situation documents.
In 1989 Ed was appointed Director of Athletics at Springfield College, a position he held for 10 years. During those years he was a member of the Executive Committee of the Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off Classic, the Eastern College Athletic Association (ECAC) Executive and Football Committees. He was President of the Eastern Collegiate Gymnastics League (EIGL). In addition, he traveled throughout the country conducting golf clinics for the Lifetime Sports Federation.
Ed was inducted into the Springfield College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995, the New York State Section 4 Hall of Fame in 1996, and the New England Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004. In 2011 the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) recognized him with the NABC Metropolitan Award, “presented annually in recognition of long and outstanding service to Men’s College Basketball”.
Attracted by warmer weather, and six golf courses at The Landings, Ed and his wife relocated from Massachusetts to Savannah, GA. He continued his involvement with the game of golf, with the one-time scratch golfer attaining his 7th and final hole in one. In addition, he enjoyed fishing in the mountains of North Carolina. But most of all, his greatest joy was the time spent with his family, particularly his grandson Wesley.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Springfield College in memory of Edward Bilik.
The family has elected to not hold a funeral, instead opting to hold a Celebration of Life event at the Palmetto Club at The Landings in Savannah, GA on Saturday, June 15, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Additional details will be posted on Facebook, as well at the Fox & Weeks website. If unable to access Facebook, please contact Fox & Weeks, 912-352-7200.
He was an amazing coach, but, also a better man.
- William H. Brown , Yaphank, New York
I’m very sorry for your loss. Ed was a great coach that taught me a lot about what it takes to be successful in life. He was one of the most influential people in my life. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Bilik family. May God Bless your family during this difficult time.
- Michael Gambardella , Hamden , Ct.
God bless you all. There are no words to express the deep loss of this strong man of integrity. He loved his family and gave his heart and soul to the game of basketball. I will always have a deep appreciation for how he defended and supported women’s basketball while fulfilling his unwavering commitment to men’s basketball. We wrote the rules together for 8 years and I will be forever indebted to him for teaching me the riches of rules writing and for demonstrating true friendship, his love for his wife and respect for his wife and her golf game. He served so well. It was such a delight to hear him boast of his grandson. He was a true gentleman. Thanks for sharing him with us, Gerry. God bless you and your precious family.
- Debbie Williamson, Pearland, TX
I want to echo Deb Williamson’s comments as I don’t think I could communicate them more eloquently. I was fortunate to be the chair of the NCAA’s Playing Rules Oversight Panel during the period Deb referenced . She, Ed and I would have tremendous discussions about the game with he always being the teacher we the students. He was a tremendous person to be around and I will always treasure my special moments with Ed. As a kid growing up in New England and later becoming a coach and athletic director he was a legendary figure for one to emulate. He defined the words gentleman and family man. God speed Ed as he is probably already teaching the good Lord a way to improve his free throw percentage or his golf swing!
- Don Tencher, Providence , RI
Ed, was a giant jof a man. I was very fortunate to be in his presence in a coaching capacity at the recreational league level back in the 80's in Wilbbraham. The way he imparted his wisdom on 11 -12 years olds was a joy to witness. A man who left this earth a much better place and gave so much to so many. Ray Frechette
- Raymond Frechette, Boynton Beach, FL
Loved Ed, never played for him, I played football, but he was always very kind to me and always had nice words to say. He was a coach for everyone at Springfield regardless if you played for him or not. You will be dearly missed coach.
- Ed Meacham, Sherman, TX
Coach Bilik was as large an influence in my life as any educator or Coach I have had. We had many spirited discussions in his office at Springfield College and they are some of the more memorable occasions of mine as a young adult. I am so grateful that he was a part of my educational experience. Blessings to the entire Bilik family.
- David Schuessler, Idaho Springs, CO
My condolences to the family. Ed and I were Springfield College classmates, class of '57'. It is sad to lose a valued classmate.
- JohnH Welch, Las Cruces, NM
My condolences to the family of Ed. Had the pleasure to work with Ed as the Women’s Secretary Rules Editor for 8 years. His hard work and dedication can not be questioned. His understanding of the rules and how they affected the game was outstanding. He taught me many things. He will be missed by many. Rest in peace Ed.
- Barbara Jacobs, Johnston, RI
I was so sorry to hear of Ed's passing. I currently serve as the secretary-rules editor for women's basketball and an HS history teacher. Ed was more than gracious in giving up his time to message me on Facebook Messenger (as we had friended each other), speak with me on the phone about the history of a particular rule, or be a sounding board for some issue I had to address. Even though he had been away from the rules portion of his life for some time when we spoke, he still remembered such intricate details about a rule. And while I am not a golfer, I always asked him how his game was. He was a wonderful man, and I want to thank his family for sharing him with us. May you be comforted knowing how loved and respected he was. May he rest in peace.
- Jon Levinson, Bogota, NJ
Dr. Bilik( it was never Mr. Bilik or Ed), was truly outstanding educator, coach and man. I always held him in the highest regard. My condolences to the Bilik Family. Dr. Bilik will be sorely missed and will remain an inspiration to all.
- Joe Kacevich , Falmouth , MA
Pax vobiscum
- Barry Glinski , Worcester , Ma
I worked with Ed as the NCAA liaison to the basketball rules committee. His list of accomplishments is impressive. But what is most impressive is that he was a truly caring human being, no matter who you were. Rest easy, my friend.
- Marty Benson, Indianapolis , Indiana
Coach, Fox , Easy Ed were all names we had for him. All were used in reverence for the person ( other than my family) that called me Jimmy. A leader and a mentor. He would never know what his leadership and friendship has meant to me. My wife Deb and myself were lucky to be able to visit Coach And Gerry a few years ago. He will be missed. Our condolences Jimmy Grassi
- Jimmy Grassi, Tolland, CT
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
