Beloved husband, brother, uncle and loyal friend, Edward H Anderson, Jr. passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his home in the early hours of January 17, 2019. Born on February 9, 1953 in Rockville Centre, New York, Ed grew up in a loving family of six, skiing, traveling, camping, boating and above all making lifelong friends. He graduated from Malverne High School (Malverne, NY) and attended Stonybrook University (SUNY), both on Long Island.
From the time he was twelve years old he was hard working and dedicated. Beginning with both morning and an evening paper delivery routes before he was 13, he was never afraid of responsibility or demanding work. By age 15 he was spending summers managing 100 cows on a working dairy farm in upstate New York.
(He may have missed his true calling to be a farmer! ) Through high school and college, he worked for Voges’ Feed & Seed in Lynbrook, NY with his lifelong friend, Tom Judge. Always intrigued by taking things apart and putting them back together, its no surprise he spent almost 40 years as a union diesel mechanic, most of which while serving with Efficiency Enterprises (both in Astoria, Queens, NY and Tampa).
Ed retired only last year at age 65. On February 28, 1981 Ed married the one and only love of this life, Anita Marie, and thereby joined the wonderful and loving Bertrand family. He and Anita were devoted to one another until her recent passing in March 2016.
Ed mourned Anita and visited her gravesite daily until the day he died. Ed and Anita made their first home on Long Island, NY, then in Indianapolis where Anita was Director of the FedEx hub, then back to Freeport, Long Island. Eventually fate found them in Brandon, FL which they called home since 2005.
Ed’s barrel-chest, hearty laugh and the mischievous twinkle in his eye could brighten anyone’s day. Loyal, generous, thoughtful, kind-hearted and loving are just a few of the words we remember him by. The proud son of a WWII and Korean War veteran and his namesake, Captain Edward H. Anderson, (US Army Retired) Ed was an active member of VFW Post #8108 along with his best buddy and friend Andy Davis whom he has known for over 25 years.
Devoted to the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame and his furry family of dogs, he leaves behind his black Labrador, Rebel who will be moving to NY with sister-in-law Theresa to continue the family legacy of cheering on the Irish! In addition to his wife, Anita, Ed was pre-deceased by his parents, Edward & Annette (Steele) Anderson of Purcellville, VA and by his dear nephew, Grant Steele Cain. Edward is survived by his siblings Tracy Anderson of Winchester, VA, Douglas Anderson of Round Hill, VA and Laure Cain of Purcellville, VA.
And his sister & brother-in laws, Theresa Bertrand & Kevin of New York and Michele & Tim Dixon of North Carolina. And, dearest cousin MaryAnn Hood of Punta Gorda, FL. He spoiled and adored all his nieces and nephews and leaves behind: Carl Anderson of Hawaii, Kate Anderson of Virginia and his soon to arrive first great nephew, Rylan.
Also, in Virginia, nephews Darius, Camron, Cyrus & Marshall Saeidi who he affectionately called “Huey, Dewy, Louie and The Other One”. His nieces, Carolyn Cain of Jacksonville, Colette Rehwinkle of Tampa and Jennifer Crawford & family of Arizona. Prior to Anita passing, Eddie converted to the Roman Catholic faith and had a deep love for God and his church.
He attended mass regularly at Saint Stephen. Ed’s family is forever grateful to his devoted friend, Liz McLaughlin for her unflagging support this past week and for her love and patience with us all during this difficult time. Visitation Monday, January 28th 5pm – 7pm – Serenity Meadows Funeral Home, 6919 Providence Rd.
, Riverview, FL 33578 Funeral Mass Tuesday, January 29th 10:00am – Saint Stephen Catholic Church, 10118 St. Stephen Circle, Riverview, FL – Celebrated by Father Curtis Carro. Interment following. To honor Ed’s love of God and his strong commitment to feed those in need (he never attended mass without stopping by the grocery to pick up his food donation).
In lieu of flowers memorial donations are requested for: St. Vincent de Paul – Food Pantry – St. Stephen, 10118 St. Stephen Circle, Riverview, FL 33569 or to a charity of your choice.
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