Edward Raymond Tonino

A man of many names (“Punky”, “Eddy T”, “Big Ed”, “The Mayor”, “Eduardo Raymondo”), was loved up and down the East Coast. One of the most appropriate nicknames was “The Mayor” due to his gregarious nature. It never took long for him to make friends with those he just met. Ed had many pastimes in his life, and never shied away from a challenge. He had a passion for cooking and BBQ, competing in multiple KCBS competitions throughout the East Coast and even has a couple of his innovate recipes published in a KCBS BBQ book. He loved classic cars, fishing, music, Nascar and sports, and loved coaching and watching his children and grandchildren play. Ed was most recently the director of technology for a school district in Connecticut before fully retiring in 2017. Ed’s professions were all self-taught, and included being a chef, business owner, fisherman, carpenter, boilermaker and technology professional.

He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in Vietnam during the war.

Edward is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Denise Tonino, daughter Andrea Rankowitz (husband Greg) of MA, sons Vincent (wife Kristy) of NJ, and Nick (wife Steph) of AR. Ed was most proud of his 9 grandchildren, which is where the “Punky” nickname originated: Justin, Zachary, Avary, Sophie, William, Ryker, Kade, Porter and Evie. Ed is also survived by his brother Michael Tonino (wife Mary), and sister Rosemary Tonino (husband Wayne) and predeceased by his father, Edward Tonino, mother Mary St. Peter and stepfather Raymond St.Peter.

The family would like to send a deep and heartfelt thank you to the team at Halifax Hospital in Daytona and the Halifax Hospice Center in Ormond Beach for providing exceptional care and comfort.

Ed’s final resting place will be at the VA National Cemetery in Jacksonville, Florida. Family and friends are invited to the burial service as well as the celebration in Palm Coast following the ceremony. Flowers may be sent to Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Homes in Flagler Beach, Florida.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ed's name to the Gary Sinise Foundation.