Edward M. Funk (ca.1936-1996) was the principal of P.S. 33 for 15 years, retiring in 1991. He was a strong influence on Queens Village and on his students, known to go to each kindergarten class on the first day of school to meet his new students. He was an educator for 30 years in District 29.

Funk was tragically murdered at the age of 60 in a bungled robbery attempt at his fiancée's home in 1996. Following his death, P.S. 33, initially named for Queens-based artist Charles Henry Miller, was renamed in his honor.