Edward Munson

Edward Munson of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away at his home on Monday, March 25, 2024, at the age of 69. Born in Queens on April 13, Ed carried that classic New York defiance with him long after leaving New York, much to the enjoyment and sometimes annoyance of the Floridians who eventually surrounded him. Known as Eddie to some and only as Ed to his wife Joanne who refused to call him Eddie, he was a man with a soft voice and strong opinions.

Ed lived for his children Cody and Austin and later, his grandson Hunter. He was at his happiest when being a father and grandfather to his boys. His sons were always first in his life and he loved them deeply. Even in the week of his death he was scheduled to help his eldest with some house projects with the recognition that it might be time to turn over the reins. 

Ed met an equally defiant woman in his wife Joanne at the age of 53. He often joked that the third wife was the charm. Marrying only a year after meeting, Joanne demanded the word "obey" be removed from their wedding vows before proceeding with the ceremony. They managed to agree on many things and disagree on many more things over their 16 years together, holding a constant respect and love for each other throughout.

Ed was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis at the far-too-young age of 54. Much like many living with MS, Ed continued to live his life, using that aforementioned New York defiance as a driving force and refusing to be sidelined. It wasn't unusual to see him on the tennis courts with a leg dragging behind him and a racket at the ready. On a trip to Hawaii for his stepdaughter's wedding, he without hesitation jumped in the back of an ATV for a pre-ceremony ride through the rugged countryside to see where Jurassic Park was filmed. He traveled to Alaska, hopping on a seaplane to explore Misty Fjords, keeping his lunch down easily in the turbulent air while other family members lost their own. Later in life, he was never far from a jigsaw puzzle. Keeping mentally engaged was just as important to him as remaining physically active. 

Ed is survived by his wife Joanne, sons Cody and Austin (Ciara), grandson Hunter, sister Carol (Pete), brothers Donald (Dorlissa) and Robert, stepchildren Kristen (Jason) and Matthew, and ex-wife Wanda. 

A closed service will be held with only immediate family in attendance. In lieu of flowers, his family would appreciate donations to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Ed would probably also appreciate contributions to causes surrounding election transparency, climate change, healthcare reform, and other organizations advocating for social justice.

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