Forever In the Hearts They Leave Behind

Edward Thomas Cvelich

May 5, 1942 – January 1, 2026

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Edward Thomas Cvelich was born on May 5, 1942, in Long Island, New York, to John and Catherine Cvelich. His family later moved to New Jersey, where he was raised alongside his older sister Catherine, younger brother Thomas, and younger sister Laraine, and where he lived throughout his high school years.

After graduating high school, Ed proudly joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in England. There, a chance cab ride led him to Teresa (Terry), the woman who would become the love of his life. They married in England on December 28, 1963, beginning a love story that spanned more than five decades. After an additional year in England, they returned to the United States.

Ed and Terry settled in New Jersey and later made their home in West Milford, where they built a life centered on friendship, community, and family. During their ten years there, they welcomed their two children, Jackie and Eddie, and formed lifelong bonds with friends who became family.

Their journey later took them to Florida, where Ed started a patio furniture business and reunited with family, then to California, and eventually to Arizona. After seven years, they returned to New Jersey so Ed could resume his work as a union pipefitter and complete the years needed for retirement. True to plan, retirement ultimately brought them back to Arizona.

Ed loved sports throughout his life, playing baseball and softball in his younger years and later finding true joy in golf. The game brought him friendship and countless happy memories. He recently underwent surgery on both hips with hopes of returning to the golf course, but complications revealed acute myeloid leukemia, previously unknown to him and his family.

Above all else, Ed was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and father-in-law. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Terry; his parents, John and Catherine Cvelich; his brother, Thomas; his sister-in-law Marion; and his brother-in-law Cliff.

He is survived by his daughter, Jackie (Don); his son, Eddie (Denny); and his cherished grandchildren, Brooklyn and Ryan, who were the center of his world. He was also an exceptional father-in-law to Don and Denny, welcoming them as family and loving them as his own. He is further survived by his sisters, Catherine (Jack) and Laraine; his sister-in-law Marianne; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Known for his steady presence, warm heart, and open door, Ed welcomed friends as family and made everyone feel at home. He passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, devotion, and deep connection. Now reunited with Terry, his enduring love story continues through the family and friendships he treasured.

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Heather, Paul, and the 3Gs says:

January 6, 2026 at 3:57 PM

What a wonderful poignant tribute to a life well lived. Uncle Ed was a man of many talents and always there to lend support. I know I benefited from his kindness over the years. Sending lots of love ❤️

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Dennis Villasenor says:

January 6, 2026 at 6:48 PM

Rest in peace , dear friend Ed Sr.may our Lord Jesus Christ bless your soul , riise to his Glory & kingdom to eternal life ❤️ 🙏🙏🙏

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Arielle Abed says:

January 6, 2026 at 8:08 PM

Dear Cvelich Fsmily,
My condolences on the loss of Edward. Jackie I know how close you were to your Dad and my heart breaks for you. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. May he rest in peace.
With Deepest and Heartfelt Sympathy,
Arielle

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Julie Lawrence says:

January 7, 2026 at 1:14 PM

It appears he lived an interesting and full life. Sending love and sympathy to the family.

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Michael and Amanda Lam says:

January 8, 2026 at 10:42 PM

Our deepest sympathies on the passing of your father. Wishing you and your family comfort and healing in the days ahead.

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Marie gaudioso says:

January 9, 2026 at 8:21 AM

Dear Jackie, Eddie and families, Your dad was a warm, kind and loving man, and I am thankful for knowing him and your mom. Ed came over on our moving in day, May, 1969, with help and a wheelbarrow for us to use Terry brought over coffee and donuts, and thus began a lifelong bonding friendship. Eddie and Peter playing matchbox cars under the tree in your yard; older sister Jackie nearby. I miss our phone visits and think of many memories we shared over the years. Ed was a wonderful l man; thoughtful, steady in his love for his family. I will miss him, and I am thankful for his friendship. I will make a charitable donation to honor your dad, and knowing how much his Church meant to him, I will have Mass said for him at my church, on his birthday, May 5th. Sincerely, Marie Gaudioso

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