Eduardo Piqueras

Eduardo Piqueras passed away peacefully on September 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Madrid, Spain, on March 7, 1940, he was the son of Dr. Enrique Piqueras and Maria del Carmen Noriega. He had two brothers, Enrique and Javier.

As a young man, Eduardo was a highly skilled soccer player. His childhood dream came true in 1957 when he was drafted for several seasons with the now world-famous Atlético de Madrid soccer team.

After his professional soccer career ended, Eduardo turned his focus to education. He earned a degree in physics and later received his master’s in electrical engineering. He went on to have a profoundly successful career in research and design, working for over 20 years at Nortel and playing a key role in shaping the future of telecommunications.

Beyond his professional achievements, Eduardo’s legacy is most deeply felt by his family. He was a selfless, devoted husband and father who dedicated his life to the well-being of his loved ones and those less fortunate.

Like something out of a fairy tale, Eduardo met Ana Maria Gonzalez at the age of 17. This feisty, beautiful young woman soon became the love of his life. For 58 years, they shared a love that was truly unconditional and unwavering. Together, they raised three children—Ana, Sylvia, and Eduardo. In 1978, with their children in tow, they made the courageous decision to leave behind their homeland, family, and all they held dear to build a better life in the United States.

Despite his professional success, Eduardo’s heart was always with his family. He never missed a school event and was present for every special moment that shaped his children’s lives. He taught them the values of hard work, integrity, and perseverance, while also modeling kindness, humility, and generosity.

His grandchildren brought him immense joy, and he nurtured meaningful relationships with each of them. He was a role model in every sense.

In retirement, Eduardo embraced his passions. He loved classical music and spent countless hours digitally restoring rare and forgotten pieces from historical archives. He developed a deep interest in birding and wildlife photography and was fortunate to travel extensively, including several safaris in Kenya. His love for soccer endured—he remained devoted to Atlético, the Spanish national team, and the sport itself, which kept him connected to his roots. But most of all, he cherished time with his wife Ana. For 58 years they were inseparable. They held hands wherever they went, and continued to do so until his final breath—a love story few are lucky enough to live.

Eduardo was also a generous soul, volunteering for many years at Catholic Parish Outreach and offering translation services to those in need. From a young age, he showed deep compassion for the poor and those facing hardship. He supported family members and strangers alike, never seeking recognition. His quiet acts of kindness changed lives in profound ways. As a devout Catholic, his faith in Jesus guided every aspect of his life and was a cornerstone of his family’s values.

Eduardo was loved and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His character, morals, courage, and devotion to family will live on through generations. He will be celebrated, remembered, and deeply missed.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ana Maria Piqueras; his brother, Javier Piqueras, and wife Renate; his daughter Ana Davis and spouse John Davis; daughter Dr. Sylvia Shoffner and spouse Dr. Dan Shoffner; son Dr. Ed Piqueras and spouse Beth Piqueras; and his grandchildren—Carmen Davis, Sydney Shoffner, Jack Davis, Daniel Shoffner, Isabel Davis, Dylan Piqueras, and Stuart Piqueras.

A funeral Mass will be held at Saint Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Cary NC on Thursday, September 11, at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gaza humanitarian efforts through the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem at LPJ.org.