Lecturer hoped to pass down love of writing

Edward Berlinski, a lecturer with the English department's Professional Writing Program who colleagues said spent his life spreading his passion for literature, died of a seizure Wednesday morning at his home in Cheverly, Md. He was 48 years old.

Berlinski, who suffered from epilepsy for nearly two decades, was a poet and an avid reader. He devoted his career to passing down his love of writing, Professional Writing Program Director Lea Chartock said.

"He was a poet; he was a writer; he was a prolific reader; he was a scholar," said Lucretia Berlinski, his wife of nearly eight years. "He loved to read books about God and love and spirituality and the afterlife. He was romantic, and he loved teaching his students at the university."

Born in Airway Heights, Wa., as an infant Berlinski moved to Connecticut with his parents and three siblings and lived there until he was 19. As a child, Berlinski was adventurous but always remained focused on his goals, which included persuing higher education, said his mother, Dorothy Berlinski. When he left for college, it was not enough to just get a bachelor's degree, she said.

"His most favorite thing was writing poetry," Dorothy Berlinski said. "He was very reliable and very spiritual. He prayed every day for everyone in his life. He cared about everyone he came in contact with on a deep level. He would do anything for anyone. He was extremely compassionate."

Berlinski attended the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and graduated with a degree in medieval history. He went on to get his master's degree from American University and then returned to Catholic to obtain his doctorate degree in rhetoric and composition.

As Berlinski moved into the professional world, he began as a writer and editor, specializing in technology, public affairs and marketing, Chartock said. After spending 10 years in the public and private sectors, Berlinski moved on to teaching. Since 1990, Berlinski taught writing to students at Catholic University, Strayer University, Johns Hopkins University and this university. Chartock described him as a scholarly, reserved man who strived to help others improve their own writing, whether it be professional or personal.

"He had a strong love of poetry and writing ... and worked well mentoring new instructors," she said.

Throughout his shifting career, writing and teaching remained Berlinski's passions. In 2007, he founded Improve Writing Now LLC - a writing consulting and coaching service acting as a guide to those who want to learn more about professional writing. On the his website, he frequently posted blog entries on a wide variety of topics, from how to write reader-friendly Internet stories to how to make a resumé stand out.

Berlinski is survived by his wife; his mother; father Edward Berlinski; sisters Diane Berlinski and Kristin Dederer; and brother Michael Berlinski. A wake and full viewing was held yesterday afternoon at Stewart's Funeral Home in Northeast D.C. The burial will take place in Connecticut on Tuesday before family and friends.

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