Edward D. Teixeira

Edward D. Teixeira, 86, of Summerfield passed away Wednesday evening February 1, 2012. He was born on September 24, 1925 in Trinidad, West Indies to the late John and Mary Decastro Teixeira. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Pauline (Pasquino) and beautiful daughter Denise (VanEtten). Ed leaves behind his loving daughters Debbie (James) Barker and Nancy Teixeira of Summerfield, and ‘#1 son’ Edward (Lori) Teixeira of Dunnellon, FL. He was proud grandfather to John (Barbara) VanEtten of Port St. Lucie, FL and Jason (Aimee) VanEtten of Hollywood, and lovely granddaughters Megan Teixeira and Mandy Dowd. His greatest joy these past years was found in being ‘Papa’ to his wonderful great grandsons Jonny and Travis VanEtten who filled his life with so much love and laughter.

Edward was born on the island of Trinidad, one of 8 children. He is preceded in death by his sisters Gina and Marie, and brothers Clem, Jerome and Johnny. He is survived by sisters Hermena and Isabella. He grew up enjoying soccer, cricket, water polo, dancing and swimming in the sea. During this time he began a long successful career with the airlines, first with Pan Am and ultimately becoming an engineer for BWIA which he retired from in 1994 after 44 years of service. Tex was respected throughout the company for his integrity, dedication, vast knowledge and loyalty which resulted in lifetime friendships.

In the 1950’s he fell in love with his beloved Pauline and began a love story which would last for 56 years. Together they enjoyed many moments with the Pauline’s siblings of Rosie (and Gus Sendner), Joey (and Phyllis), Frankie (and Helen), Vinnie (and Linda) and Philip (and Marylou).

Viewing will take place on Monday Feb. 6 at 9:30-11:00am at Forest Lawn Funeral Home Ocala, Fl., with a funeral service to follow, to be conducted by Fr. Alex Panakal O.C.D.. Entombment will take place immediately in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.

It was not long until they were raising a family of 4 children: Denise, Debbie, Nancy and Edward. Together they weathered the challenges of raising a retarded daughter, Nancy. Edward and Pauline would become hard working supporters of The Marian Center for Exceptional Children in Opa-Locka Florida. With their unfailing love, devotion and sacrifice, Nancy flourished and grew into the lovely and incredible, self-sufficient woman she is today.

Dad could fix ‘anything’ – starting out with home maintenance and vehicle repairs, and slowly evolving into maintenance of his daughters and son’s cars. He enjoyed standing side by side with his son, Edward, working on the car, as well as other home projects. Together Edward and Dad built a car and participated in the Soap Box Derby in Boy Scouts – they were so proud and celebrated together as the car did great! It didn’t take long for his grandsons to figure out what a great ‘fixer’ their Grandpa was. This started another generation of working on cars – not just with John and Jason, but all their friend as well. For his birthday one year he received a shirt monogramed ‘Teixeira’s Garage’ which he wore with a great smile and pride! Dad proudly mused that he didn’t realize he had so many ‘sons, daughters’ and ‘grandsons’ as everyone called him either dad or grandpa. He was always ready to lend a hand to help anyone.

Dad and mom loved reminiscing about all the good times with family in New York and the West Indies, visiting the islands, and our many adventures on the road. They were blessed to have wonderful long-lasting friendships. They provided many, many summers of fun filled vacations which they scraped and saved for all year. In their retirement they enjoyed taking cruises together, enjoying time together after selflessly dedicating themselves to raising their family. For their 50th anniversary they were celebrated with a wonderful party attended by family and friends and a cruise. Theirs was a special, enduring love.

He will be remembered as a dedicated husband, incredible father and grandfather, fun loving and devoted great grandpa, much loved brother and uncle, and loyal friend. His humble nature and life served as an inspiration to his children, family, and friends. A lasting impression was left upon our minds and our hearts by this truly remarkable, kind, loving man. He was a gentle man but also a gentlemen. And will be sorely missed by all.

The family suggests a donation to Hospice or The Alzheimer’s Association in Edward’s memory.

Arrangements under the direction of Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Ocala, FL.