A graduate of Resurrection School in Boyle Heights, Eddie played football and was active in basketball team management, student council and many activities such as Homecoming Committee, Dance Committee, and the Intramural Council. Eddie earned two varsity letters in football. As a senior, he was part of the famed “Berlin Wall” defense coached by Jim Patricio which held opponents to an average of less than one touchdown a game.
After Cantwell, Eddie attended Santa Clara University for a year and then transferred to UC Santa Barbara where he earned a BA in Fine Arts. A resident of East Beach in Santa Barbara, Eddie was active in the local art and photography scene for many years, exhibiting his work in local shows and galleries. He specialized in post abstract Expressionism and multimedia art incorporating glass, mirrors, wax, and dried flowers among other materials. He also enjoyed nature photography and seeing the globe -- recent trips included England, Spain, the Philippines, and Singapore. Eddie was also an avid mountain biker and enjoyed charging up and down the hills of his beloved Santa Barbara range. He also loved body surfing and collecting sea glass and rocks.
Eddie’s teachers and friends recall him as a bright vibrant spirit who was as ready to smile and laugh as he was to help anyone in need. True to that spirit, Eddie was an advocate for the hungry and homeless in Santa Barbara. Eddie is survived by his parents Henry and Grace, his brothers Michael (’77), Danny (’78), and Gregory (’83), and his sister Lisa (SHM ’81).
Eddie’s funeral Mass is scheduled for Saturday Dec. 17th at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission .