Edward Marion Ghezzi

Edward was born in Castle Shannon, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh, on September 11, 1922. Graduating with honors from high school, he enlisted in the newly formed Army Air Corps and graduated from cadet school as a navigator. Stationed in England during the war, Edward flew 32 bombing missions over enemy territory. When his B17 bomber was shot down during the Battle of the Bulge on Christmas Eve, 1944, he parachuted safely into Belgium. Following the Allied victory, Edward received a professional degree in architectural engineering from Penn State University. He returned to Europe for travel and to attend the Lausanne Polytechnic University in Switzerland, where he earned a postgraduate degree in urban planning.

Edward became a licensed architect in Pittsburgh in the early 1950s. He met his future wife, Shirley Levine, on a blind date, and Edward and Shirley moved to South Florida. Edward began his local career with prominent Miami architectural firms, namely Igor Polevitzky Associates and Pancoast and Ferrandino Architects. He left the latter in 1956 to start his own firm, Edward M. Ghezzi Architects and Planners. His professional works include Everglades Shark Valley Lookout Tower, Homestead Senior High School, Monroe County Courthouse, and Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Edward worked as an architect for decades, retiring in his late seventies. He was honored on September 16, 2016 in recognition of an exceptional life of service; the Mayor and City Council of Pinecrest proclaimed that day as Edward Ghezzi Day.

Edward’s life was a long one and a rich one. Even in the last decade, when advancing age slowed him and he was predeceased by his wife Shirley, he remained loving and affectionate, always in good humor and strong spirits. Edward’s absence will be felt daily by his sister Lorraine Little; his seven children Mark (Suzanne), Pamela, Marta (Miguel), David, Michael (Darlene), Gail (Ben), and Matthew; his grandchildren Andrew (Cristina), Sara, Emily, Daniel, Jakob, Enzo and Jovi; his great-granddaughter Daniela; his longtime caregiver Alma; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends. They all loved, and love, him deeply.

Services will be held Monday, April 16, at 10:30 am Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 14260 Old Cutler Road, 33158 (phone 305-238-2161). He will be entered with military honors. If inclined to do so, please send donations in his name to the charities provided below.

Alzheimer’s Association, Southeast Florida Chapter

3323 W. Commercial Blvd., Suite 260

Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309

American Diabetes Association

2451 Crystal Dr., Suite 900

Arlington, VA 22202