April 4, 1920 ~ December 21, 2003
DAVOLI, JAMES E. (ED) Colonel, USAF, RET
Ed Davoli, 83, passed away peacefully after a short illness December 21, 2003. Born April 4, 1920 in Buffalo, NY, to Italian immigrant parents Mary and James Davoli, Ed was the first member of his family to attend college, earning a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1941. While fulfilling his ROTC commitment, WWII broke out and he spent the war years as an officer in the Army Air Corps, rising to the rank of Lt. Colonel. Stationed in Laredo, TX in 1942, Ed met and married his beloved wife of 48 years, Pat Oliver. Ed continued serving his country following WWII when the Air Force became a separate branch of the military. He completed his 20-year career serving his country at the rank of Colonel stationed at Air Force Headquarters in Washington, DC.
Ed, Pat and their children settled in Redondo Beach in 1961 where Ed embarked on his 2nd career with Hughes Aircraft Company. Over the next 23 years he moved up the corporate ladder and retired as Director of Plant Operations. Ed was then able to pursue his 3rd and favorite career, as grandparent to his three grandchildren. He picked them up from school daily, made sure their homework was done before they went out to play, and was one of the most vocal fans at their soccer and baseball games. Ed will long be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving parent, a caring grandparent, and devout member of his church. An avid, skilled and competitive golfer, Ed was shooting his age or better for many years preceding his death. Ed regularly enjoyed taking the dimes from his regular golfing buddies. His wife, Patricia Louise, and his son Thomas Edward preceded him in death. He is survived by his son Jerry of Fresno, CA, daughter and son-in law Cindy and Ron Mason of West Hills, CA, daughter and son-in-law Patti and Bob Smith of Torrance, CA, and their three children Tommy, Kevin and Diana. A funeral service will be held Saturday, December 27, 2003, at 1:00 PM, at Riviera United Methodist Church, 375 Palos Verdes Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA, 90277. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Ed Davoli Memorial Fund and sent to Riviera United Methodist Church. Burial with full military honors will follow with procession to Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
My condolences to the family of ED. I met Ed in 1982 after selling our Company and having no idea of where to go from here. Ed excepted me in his golf group and we have been playing for 20 years. What an inspiration he was to all of us, not just as a golfer (he was the best I have ever known) but also as a caring person. Often he said I got to go and pick up my grandkids even though the game was still on. We will miss him a lot but hope to play with him again at the big course in the sky.
I\’ll never forget the first time I played golf with Ed and a friend asked me to pick out the guy who would shoot in the 70\’s. Needless to say, I didn\’t pick Ed. Was I ever wrong. Ed was always the gentleman. It was only after playing golf with him for several times that I learned that his daughter Cindy was a co-worker and friend. I will miss Ed – his humor and kindness and gentle ways. I am out of town and will unfortunately miss the service, but I will always remember Ed whenever I tee it up…..
Ed Davoli came into our lives when he met and married my youngest sister Patricia Oliver in 1942. They met in Laredo, Texas where Ed was stationed. At that time he was Captain James E. Davoli. Ed and Pat married in Pat\’s home town of Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Our country was at war and many changes were happening. Events of our country took our husbands overseas and Pat and I lived together, took care of our children and marked time until our husbands came home. After many years, more children were born into the Davoli family. We took vacations together and loved the togetherness of our extended family. Also, sorrowful events came into the Davoli family with the death of their first born son, Tom, and the death of Ed\’s wife Pat. Through it all, Ed was there to help the rest of his family and to be the best Dad, Grandfather, Brother-in-law and a friend to his church family with loyalty to all. Ed could be tender, he could be firm, but most of all he was fair and true to all of us. Ed expected much from each of us because he expected the best he could be from himself. Ed was not only a brother-in-law, but was one of our best friends. He remained true to the end. True to his wife, true to his children and grand children, true to his church and friends and true to his country. That was the way he loved, first God, next his wife and family, next his country and church. You stood a little straighter when you knew Ed. He brought that feeling that touched you. Ed was a man of love, loyalty and integrity and he has been a gift to our lives. We will miss Ed, but he brought into our lives the same qualities we can now enjoy in his family. Thank You Ed Davoli.
My deepest sympathies to Jerry, Cindy, Patti and the entire family. Ed Davoli was one of the sweetest and kindest gentleman that I have ever known. He simply adored his family. My life has been enriched by knowing him. My prayers are with you all. Sincerely, Linda L. Merkel
Dear Jerry and Family, Just want to let you know that we are thinking about you. May your father rest in peace. It sounds like he was a great man, father, and grandfather. Please accept our sympathies, Virginia and John Hernandez