Edward F. Esposito

Edward Frank Esposito, 98, of Orlando, Florida died peacefully on Thursday, February 14, 2019. Edward was born on January 5, 1921 in a house (1107 -38th Street) in Brooklyn, NY to Charles and and Josephine Esposito. He married the love of his life, Grace Marie Marano, from Union City, NJ, on June 15, 1947, and they shared 60 years of their lives together shy one week. He had survived his wife, Grace, who died peacefully in 2007. Edward, will be remembered for being a World War II veteran of North American and European invasion including D-Day with many decorations. He is also remembered for being a “walking miracle of God”, as he often described himself. In 1971, at the age of 50, he became paralyzed from chest to toes resulting from a spinal cord compression at the T-3 area of his spine. He wanted everyone to know that he attributed his healing to the intercession of Mary Grace Bellotti, his wife’s grandmother and faithful servant of God. Edward had a career as an investigator with the Internal Revenue in New York City for 21 years followed by a career for the county of Monmouth County, NJ for 16 years. He was a renaissance man with talents inclusive of carpentry, writing eloquent letters to his favorite Congressmen and Senators, as well as writing editorials in the paper, cooking, roasting, and catering. He had mastered the card game of Pinochle and enjoyed playing with friends for over 11 years at the Beardall Senior Center, Orlando, FL. Edward loved his two daughters, Grace Marie and Geraldine dearly. He told everyone that his first love in his life and in this world was his spouse, Grace, whom he wished never to be separated from. He is survived by his daughters, Geraldine Smith and Grace Marie Edwards, his grandson, Alex Vicenzi, son-in-law, Larry Wayne Smith, his granddaughter-in-law, Bridget Errante, friends Anne Sampson and Nick Scarcella (children of deceased Joe and Josie Scarcella, who were like family), and by many beloved friends. Edward always believed in goodness, honesty, generosity and helping others. His faith was deep. He wore a bolo tie each day with either the face of Christ or the Pieta. He attributed his longevity to handing over “worries” to God. Edward carried around a prayer entitled “Don’t Worry” which he shared with others. See copy of his prayer on this website. He was a loving mentor to many giving guidance and encouragement to others in need along the way. Upon his arrival in Heaven, he is greeted by his spouse, Grace, and her mother and father, Nancy and Michael; by Grace’s siblings, Michael and Felicia; by his parents, Charles and Josephine, and by his siblings, Gary, Frank, Lena, and Girard. Also, welcoming him is Grace’s grandmother, Mary Grace Bellotti, who is in the process of being canonized as a saint in the Roman Catholic church, and is now a “Servant of God” in the canonization process. He will be remembered for being one of the most positive people by his family and friends. He was a shining light of God and a role model of compassion and perseverance. Edward, also known as Mr. Ed, Daddy-O, and the Chief, will be very much missed by many. THIS WORRY IF YOU COULD TAKE THIS WORRY THAT IS EATING AT YOUR HEART. WRAP IT UP, AND THROW IT AWAY THEN FROM IT COMPLETELY DEPART,-- WOULDN'T THIS JUST BE WONDERFUL,-- IMAGINE THE GREAT RELIEF. THE QUIETNESS WITHIN YOUR HEART, THE RESTFULNESS AND PEACE! MY FRIEND, THIS ALL IS POSSIBLE THRU OUR SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST, THE ONE WHO WOULD TAKE EACH BURDEN THAT COMES INTO OUR LIFE. SO WRAP YOUR EVERY BURDEN UP ND GIVE IT OVER TO HIM WHO PROMISED WHEN WE TRUST HIM, TO GIVE GOD'S PEACE WITHIN! - Ruth V. Eaker 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13, PHILIPPIANS 4:6 & 7

Edward F. Esposito

January 5, 1921 - February 14, 2019