We remember Uncle Ed not only for the many things he accomplished, but for the way he made us feel. He had a presence that was steady and reassuring, a kindness that was felt more than spoken, and a generosity that quietly lifted countless lives. To know Uncle Ed was to know humility, warmth, and a deep, unwavering love for people and community. His life was a testament to the values he lived every day — service, integrity, and aloha.
For more than 20 years, Uncle Ed was a loyal friend and generous supporter of Catholic Charities Hawai‘i — a quiet yet steadfast force for good. He never sought the spotlight, but his kindness lit the way for countless others. When he thought about the causes closest to his heart, Catholic Charities Hawai‘i was always there. His life story is one of courage, adventure, humility, and deep compassion.
After earning his degree in Industrial Technology, Uncle Ed answered the call to serve, joining the U.S. Air Force in 1962. Over the next 20 years, he wore the uniform with honor, rising to the rank of Major and earning multiple distinctions:
- The Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement during aerial flight
- The Air Medal with three devices
- Silver Pilot Wings
Among his proudest roles was serving as one of the pilots for Air Force Two during the Nixon era — a position that reflected not only his remarkable skill, but also his steady, dependable presence.
When his military career ended in 1982, Uncle Ed’s love of the skies carried him into his next chapter as a commercial pilot. But the skies weren’t his only horizon — the open road called, too. An avid cyclist, he owned more than a dozen bicycles and pedaled thousands of miles, including several cross-country trips. Every journey was fueled by his adventurous spirit and joy for life.
Yet, for all he achieved, what defined Uncle Ed most was his heart. He was generous without fanfare, compassionate without condition, and quietly strong in ways that inspired everyone around him. Even in planning for the future, he thought of others first. Years ago, he made the decision to include Catholic Charities Hawai‘i in his estate plans — not as a grand gesture, but as a natural extension of the life he lived: a life devoted to service and care for others.
Through this thoughtful planned gift, Uncle Ed ensures that his spirit of compassion will continue to touch lives for generations to come. His love and concern for Hawai‘i’s most vulnerable — seniors, families, and children — will live on, carrying forward the same quiet strength and kindness that defined him.
Like Uncle Ed, you can turn your life’s values into a lasting legacy. By including Catholic Charities Hawai‘i in your will, trust, or estate plan, you become part of our Circle of Hope — a community that keeps giving long after today, ensuring our mission endures.
Uncle Ed’s life was a gift to everyone who knew him. Your story can carry that same spirit of service, love, and lasting aloha.
