Ed was born on May 5, 1941, in South Los Angeles, California, where he grew up surrounded by the music, culture, and tight-knit community of the 1950s. He attended Saint Vincent’s Catholic School, Bret Harte Middle School, and Washington High School, graduating in 1959 with a Rotary Club Scholarship for Art.

Ed often reminisced about the golden days of his youth—jukeboxes, 78s and 45s spinning his favorite tunes, dances at El Monte’s Legion Stadium, cruising the Boulevard, garage dance parties, and stealing kisses from the “chicks.” His favorite color was always BLACK, and his personality was just as bold.

At 17, Ed began training as an amateur boxer at Paul Matty’s Gym, and by 18 he was competing in Golden Gloves events. In 1960, he joined the Floor Covering Local 1247 as a carpet apprentice, beginning a long and dedicated career.

In 1961, he married Gloria, and together they welcomed three children: Edward Joseph, Connie Ann, and Francisco (“Frankie”). After completing his four-year apprenticeship, Ed worked with several flooring companies, including Al Terrance Carpets, D&W Carpets, Floor Craft, and Fashion Craft Floors.

In 1975, Ed met Yolanda and her two children, Luis and Lisa. The couple purchased their home in Brea in 1976 and were married in Anaheim in 1979. Over the years, Ed’s family grew to include daughter-in-laws Monica and Denise, son-in-law Jaime, five grandchildren—Crystal, Lauren, Zachary, Brian, and Nathan, and 3 Great Grandchildren-Ray Ray, Colton, & Layla .

A proud homeowner many times over, Ed lived in Torrance, Cerritos, Brea, La Habra, Chino Hills, and Riverside. In the 1980s, he flew on an airplane for the first—and only—time, to San Francisco. He preferred the open road, taking road trips throughout California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Mexico “back when it was safe.”

During the 1990s, he enjoyed vacations in Coronado and Carlsbad through time shares, as well as camping trips to Mountain Lakes Resort. After 35 years as a skilled carpet installer, Ed retired in 1999 at age 58, proudly putting his toolbox, kicker, and stretcher into storage and saying it was time to “get the hell out of Dodge.”

Ed lived life with enthusiasm. He bowled consistently over 200, enjoyed golf, camping, BBQs, boxing matches, baseball and football games, and relaxing with a cold beer after mowing the lawn. He loved his music—especially country, long before it was considered cool. His favorite artists included Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks, Waylon Jennings, Kenny Rogers, George Jones, Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Neil Diamond, Freddie Fender, Tom Jones, and Antonio Aguilar.

He also loved classic TV and comedy, admiring Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Red Skelton, Bob Hope, and George Carlin. He was a lifelong fan of John Wayne and, like many of his generation, watched the Mickey Mouse Club—proudly admitting a big crush on Annette Funicello. His favorite boxers included Muhammad Ali, Oscar De La Hoya, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Shane Mosley.

Ed loved talking about his cars—his 1949 Ford, 1958 black Chevy Impala, 1971 Buick Riviera, 1981 Cadillac Eldorado, and his beloved 2007 Ford Harley-Davidson.

Above all, Ed was a man who valued family, friendship, good music, good laughs, and a life fully lived. He will be remembered for his strength, humor, loyalty, and the stories he never tired of sharing.

He leaves behind a legacy built on hard work, love, and unforgettable memories. Ed will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Friends and family are gathering for a visitation on Thursday, December 4, 2025 in Grimes-Akes Family's :"Grace Chapel" at 10:00am with Funeral service to follow at 11:00am.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Akes Family Funeral Home, Riverside, California.

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