Edward Joseph Eastwood, age 80, passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 in his home on Marco Island, FL with his loving wife and life co-pilot, Caren-Jean (Miller) Eastwood by his side. He is preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth (Wilhelm) Eastwood, father, Eli Eastwood, grandmother Stella Wilhelm, grandfather, Edward Wilhelm, his son, Michael William Eastwood, and his lifelong mentor Lt. James Galvin. He is survived by his adoring wife, Caren-Jean, his daughter, Lorna-Marie (Eastwood) Coyle, son, Brian Eastwood, grandson, Ash Coyle, and his sister-in-law, Catherine (Miller) Mincone, whom he considered another daughter, her husband John Mincone and their daughter, Emily Mincone, whom he considered another grandchild.
Eddie was born on March 19, 1943 in Astoria, NY to Elizabeth and Eli Eastwood and was raised there by his parents and grandparents, Stella and Edward Wilhelm. He met Caren-Jean, the love of his life, on his birthday in 1962 when Caren-Jean wished him a happy birthday - she always told him she was his 19th birthday present. They became inseparable and married in January 1966. In 1966, their son, Michael was born who, sadly, only lived a very short time. Two years later they welcomed daughter Lorna-Marie and three years later Brian came along.
Eddie attended St. John’s University in Queens NY where he earned a Bachelors in Business Administration. He joined the corporate world and learned quickly the vocation was not for him. After some coaching from his Uncle, he joined the New York City Transit Police Department in February 1966 and started a successful career in law enforcement, receiving many accolades and awards and surviving multiple high-intensity shoot-outs. He was promoted to Sergeant, then Lieutenant and retired in 1987 in the line of duty.
In 1988, Eddie, Caren-Jean and Brian set out to traverse the coast of Florida in search of their retirement paradise. As soon as they coasted down the Jolley Bridge to Marco Island they knew they had found their place and before that trip was over - they owned their very own piece of Marco. After many fits and starts, they finally realized that dream and moved into their home in 1999. Throughout their time on Marco, they became members of the San Marco Catholic Church Community, and Eddie was honored to serve as a member of Council #6344 of the Knights of Columbus and 4th degree Sir Knight of Assembly #2514. As part of his service, Eddie and Caren-Jean served as Ushers for weekly mass, and Eddie was happiest working in the kitchen earning his nickname as “Sauce Boss” cooking up a storm for the congregation’s Spaghetti Dinners.
Eddie was a laugh-a-minute, quick-witted and always eager to help anyone. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, generosity and wisdom for all those who had the good fortune to know and love him. He will be dearly missed by his loved ones and all those whose lives he touched through the years.
Family and friends are welcome to celebrate Eddie at his Memorial Mass to be held at the San Marco Catholic Church, 851 San Marco Road, Marco Island, Fl 34145 on Monday, May 15, 2023 at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Tunnels to Towers Foundation (www.t2t.org) which provides mortgage assistance and mortgage-free homes to catastrophically injured First Responders and Veterans.
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