Edward Guardanapo

Mr. Edward Guardanapo, age 80, a resident of St. Martin Community, was called away to his Lord on Saturday, December 18, 2021, after a long battle with an illness. His parents, Joseph and Carrie (Silveira) Guardanapo of Tulare, CA, are preceded in death.

Ed was born to first-generation Portuguese parents in Hanford, California, on March 12, 1941.  His early life was spent growing up with his parents and two brothers, Gerald "Jerry" and David, in Tulare and Tipton, California. He graduated from Tulare Union High School in 1959, and after one year of college, enlisted in the United States Air Force, loyally serving 20 years of active-duty service. Ed went on assignments to Alaska, Korea, and many other classified areas earning multiple medals and awards for his commitment.  He spent the last 11 years as a technical instructor at Keesler AFB before retiring in 1981.

While stationed on the MS Gulf Coast, Ed met the love of his life, Coleen (Quave) Guardanapo, and married in 1966.  They would share lifelong memories, with moments of joy and adventure that lasted 55 years together.  He leaves behind a large family including his wife, Coleen; brothers, Gerald "Jerry" (Diane) Guardanapo of Gig Harbor, WA, and David (Leslie) Guardanapo of Pensacola, FL.  In addition, he leaves behind his three children, Edward (Luzie) Guardanapo, Jr. of Pembroke Pines, FL, Kenneth (Kristi) Guardanapo, and Gina Bailey (Guardanapo) of Biloxi, MS.  His family would include grandchildren, Shea (Michael) Wills, Devin Guardanapo, Zachary Richard, Nicholas (Kassidy) Richard, Antonio Lepoma, Darbi Guardanapo, Kaylee Richard, and Giovanni Lepoma.  He had three great-grandchildren, Isabella, Jayce, Cora; and the family extended to many nieces and nephews that loved him dearly.

Ed maintained one axiom in life to which he said was the basis for who he was: “When you’re green, you grow. When you’re ripe, you rot.”  In his estimation, a life of “reading, learning, studying, researching, then applying the ideas or concepts, kept one green and growing in life as you touch the lives of others.  Without them, you rot and become just another average being in life to those around you”.  Ed loved to learn new things, diligently studying and then helping others to reach their potential.  He believed in always being open to educating oneself. He had graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science, a minor in Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi (1975), and a master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Pepperdine University (1978).

After retiring from the Air Force, Ed worked in many different fields, working with Marc Gold and Associates creating opportunities for people with significant disabilities, the Mississippi Department of Corrections, a Professor and Director of Student Services for Phillips College, and his last formal occupation as a casino supervisor for The Grand Casino.  His teaching opportunities continued after retiring, and he worked for Kelley’s Educational Services as a substitute teacher in the secondary schools of South Mississippi.  He enjoyed teaching and sharing his unique intellect from a lifetime of study and insightful experience with the students. Ed also had completed baseball umpire school through his love of sports and would officiate collegiate and high school baseball games for over thirty years of service.  In his last few years before becoming ill, Ed volunteered, working with fellow Veterans at the Keesler AFB pharmacy.

Ed believed in being physically and mentally strong and was persistent at working out at the gym.  He was an avid jogger, competing in many 5K and 10K events during his life.  His dedication earned him many golds, silver, and bronze medals in track and field events for the state and regional Senior Olympic Games.

Another passion of Ed’s was maintaining a spiritual bond with the Lord.  He possessed a passionate understanding of scriptures, teaching, and encouraging people about enriching their Catholic devotion. His faithful dedication prepared him for years of service to his church as a Eucharistic Minister, CCD teacher, and Lecturer at Mass. He held many positions in the Knights of Columbus for Sacred Heart Church D'Iberville, MS.  He spent countless hours helping people in the community, whether assisting in the church bizarre, doing fundraisers for local women’s shelters and food pantries, or coordinating fish fries for the Veterans at the Biloxi VA.   He was a firm believer in giving back to his community.

Ed had an avid interest in meeting people and enjoying the experience. He was loved by all who knew him and a man of great integrity, honor, and strength.  He related well with others and was happy living in South Mississippi. Ed was known for his humor and wit as he kept family and friends always laughing.  He was their "Sparky Griswold," telling funny stories and happenstance experiences that many people reminisce over the memories to this day.

Friends are invited to join the Guardanapo family for visitation and services on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd., West Jackson County. Visitation will be held from 10:30 until 11:45 a.m.  A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 11:45 a.m.  The service and graveside will both be live-streamed  See links below under service info

Following services, Ed will be laid to rest at Biloxi National Cemetery, with honors rendered by the U.S. Air Force.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Vincent de Paul Society of South Mississippi.