Eddie (Edmond) Arthur Mignini, Jr

Eddie has always been very proud of his name. Not only because he is a Jr., sharing his much loved late father’s name, but because of its meaning.

Edmond:

Ed (ēad) - prosperous, happy, riches, wealth

mond (mund) - protector

The Happy Protector.

I can’t think of a more perfect name for a man who spent his whole life making people laugh and fiercely protecting those he loved.

I know the phrase “he never met a stranger” is kinda cliché but it’s so very true of Eddie. He’d go out on a thirty minute errand and come back two hours later with the story of how he just talked for an hour and a half with a great guy he met at the pump / in line / at a red light. This was almost always followed with, “And he might come over later to jam in the music room.”

Eddie loved music. Loud, feel it in your soul, music. This is pretty easy to accomplish with speakers the size of a small compact car. He liked inviting company into his music room to test their fortitude with concert-like volume and a baseline that felt like it was literally giving you CPR.

Even though Eddie was a fierce protector he was also a huge teddy bear. His hugs should have been patented they were so good. He had a way of making friends and family feel super special whether it was just by showing up when needed or simply telling you "I love you" when parting. 

Our children were raised in a home where "I love you" was used as often as "hello". A home where a dad could be both strong AND vulnerable. A home where their parents were still in love after 32 years of being together.

32 years....it's both an amazingly long and painfully short amount of time. I know it's far more than many people are granted. Oh but I had hoped to be sitting with him 32 years from now. Talking about our amazing life together and how we made it to our 80's. But I will take these last 32 years of being with a man who packed so much love into every minute that it will last me three lifetimes. My heart just has to accept that he won't physically be by my side while I live the rest of my lifetime.

Eddie, my Happy Protector, I love you so very much and will be waiting to see you in my dreams. Good night my love.

*Edited to include a copy of the last entry to Eddie's gofundme page*

It is with deep sadness and a broken heart that I share the news that my beautiful best friend and soulmate Eddie passed away early Friday April 19th.

He took his final breath surrounded by myself and our children. We reassured him that we would be ok - that he prepared us well and that he loved us so fiercely that we would always have that love to carry us through.

His wishes are to be cremated with a celebration of life to follow a few weeks later - when our kids and I are ready to host a gathering. I'll let everyone know once we have a date and time picked out.

I cannot tell you how much Eddie appreciated all the love and support that surrounded us over the last 3 1/2 years. And even more so over this last month.

One of the biggest surprises to Eddie and I throughout this has been who stepped up and who backed away. Those who backed away broke his heart but those who were vigilant in texting, calling, coming to visit, sending cards, sending prayers and supporting his gofundme page literally gave him life - I cannot thank you enough and truly mean it when I say that you facilitated him staying with us longer because of all the love and support he felt.

Any donation made from here on will be used in Eddie's celebration of life gathering and to offset any bills during this period of transition for our family.

This is likely my last entry to his gofundme. Aside from expressing my immense gratitude for everything you all have helped us with I do have one final request.

We would be so very grateful if you would share photos or memories you have of Eddie. Below is the link to his memorial page. (Link leads to this site)

All our love and thanks,

Shannah, Aleigha, Mandalyn and Kayleigh