Edwin J. Protokowicz

It is with much sadness that we share the news of the loss of our brother and uncle, Edwin Joseph Protokowicz. Ed passed away on December 8, 2025, at his home in Las Cruces, NM, at the age of 78. Born in Wilmington, DE, in August of 1947, he was the son of the late Walter and Wanda Dobek Protokowicz.

Ed was raised in the city of Wilmington, growing up in the shadows of St. Paul’s Church. He attended and graduated from St. Hedwig School (1961) and Salesianum School (Class of 1965). Ed was very proud of his Polish heritage and continued to celebrate it throughout his life. He was also very proud of his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, which included a tour of duty in Vietnam in 1968. Ed was a graduate of Nebraska Western College, Scottsbluff, NE, and Kearney State College, Kearney, NE. After college, Ed worked for the FBI for many years in Washington D.C. and in Las Cruces, NM. He attended the Defense Foreign Language Institute in Monterey, CA as part of his FBI training.

Ed retired from his years of government service while living in Las Cruces. He remained in New Mexico for the rest of his life. He enjoyed traveling, astronomy, hiking, cycling, and participated in marathons in his younger days. Ed’s travels included visits to Roswell, NM, Rachel, NV, and other alien haunts. There was also a special trip to Punxsutawney, PA, to celebrate Groundhog Day. Ed was a fan of Nebraska and New Mexico State college football and followed his Aggies to Hawaii more than once to watch them play the University of Hawaii. His most enduring interest throughout the years was for all things Star Trek. He traveled to many Star Trek events to meet actors, enjoy the camaraderie of other Trekkies, and obtain autographs and other collectables.

Ed is survived by his sister Patricia Lee of Bear, DE; his brother, Daniel Protokowicz (Nora) of Wilmington, DE; three nieces, two great-nephews, and a great niece.

Funeral services will be held privately.