By Nicole Hamilton
Enquirer staff writer

GREEN TOWNSHIP - Edwin Zicka built, owned and operated more than 1,400 apartment units. But to him his job meant more than making sure furnaces worked and roofs didn't leak. He cared as much about the people living in the buildings as he did the buildings themselves.

"He was always thinking of others. He really cared about his residents and their lives. He was good-hearted and determined and persevering - he never retired," said his daughter, Carol Tekulve of Landen. "He always worked hard and took pride in his work. He had a passion for business and cared deeply for his employees and associates."

Edwin A. Zicka died Thursday at his Green Township home after a long illness. He was 87.

The youngest of four children, raised in Cleveland, Mr. Zicka attended Case Western Reserve University before moving to his then-wife's hometown - Cincinnati - in 1943.

Aspiring to be a meteorologist for the Army during World War II, he attended night courses in the subject while working as a tool designer for Crosley Motors.

While in Columbus for his physical to leave for the war, peace was declared.

He began in the home-building business in 1948, starting a real estate sales agency, Homestead Realty. Later, he began E.A. Zicka Co., building apartments.

Some of the larger apartments he owned and operated included Four Towers Apartments, Four Towers Place, LaFeuille Apartments, Mayridge Apartments, and Westbrook Apartments - all on the west side of Cincinnati.

An advocate for the homeless, Mr. Zicka supported the FreeStore and other groups that helped the homeless.

He was former president of the Home Builders Association of Greater Cincinnati and former president of the Greater Cincinnati Apartment Association.

Mr. Zicka was also an avid golfer and a member of Western Hills Country Club; and he enjoyed boating and fishing and spent many weekends with his family at Pelee Island in Canada. He also spent time in Sarasota and enjoyed gardening.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Elsie Gundel; and a brother, Tom Zicka.

Besides his daughter, other survivors include daughter Mary Jo Farruggia of Indian Hill; a son, E. Michael Zicka of Anderson Township; a sister, Marge Cykes, of Cleveland; former wife, Mary Zicka of Montgomery; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and longtime friend and companion Ruth Roop of Green Township.

Visitation will be 4-9 p.m. Monday, at Vorhis Funeral Home, 11365 Springfield Pike, Springdale.

Another visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, at the funeral home. Service will follow at 11 a.m.

Burial will be in Spring Grove Cemetery, Winton Place.

E-mail nhamilton@enquirer.com