Sunday, November 30, 2025
Eddie’s capacity for love was his greatest strength. He fiercely loved his Georgina. His devotion to Vannessa and John was incredible. And his grandchildren were the center of his world. Family, his family, meant everything to him.
His love extended even further, though, including those he considered close friends. He adopted them as family and included them in his circle of strength, as well. He would often talk about people that I had never met – friends – but his stories and fondness of those people reflected that profound love of family.
I met Eddie more than 20 years ago, I was a new father, just moved into an apartment across the street. I tend to be shy, but it didn’t take long for the Guzman’s, (and later the Sanchez’s), to become more than neighbors. And it was all because of Eddie. He introduced himself first. He invited me over to sit on the outside wall, share a beer, and talk. Mostly it was just random things. What’s happening in the world, food, local places, work. Sometimes it was deeper – fatherhood, relationships, family. It didn’t take long for a friendship to develop.
Shortly thereafter, Diana would do the same. While I sat, she watched the kids. While she sat, I did. Edie became a friend to both of us. Soon thereafter we met Ginny. Then Vannessa and John … J.J. … Gabby … Christopher … Zachery and Xavier.
You cannot talk about Eddie without talking about family. And, once again, it didn’t take long.
It wasn’t just “J.J. and Gabby;” it was “J.J. and Nathan and Gabbie and Edie.” It wasn’t “J.J. come here.” Instead, it was “J.J. and Nathan, come here,” or “Gabbie and Edie, come here.” Eddie had now also become my children’s Grandfather through his own force of sheer will. He was always there for all of them – ready to teach, ready to show all of them something new, ready to care for all of them and love all of them.
All of you are the best – the family I have never had – and it all started because of Eddie. He was the most fearless, honest, and kindest person I have ever met. And he was more than a friend to me – Eddie was also my family.
Love,
Doug