After high school, Ed enlisted and served his time in the United States Army Reserve. He then embarked on a thirty-year career as a mechanic in the automotive industry. He could repair anything – and he did. After he left the rigors of that industry in which he was the consummate professional, he “shifted gears” and became a truck driver. He began this new career delivering all over the country. Later, his driving was more local.
Ed had a love for playing the drums. That special gift is what attracted him to Nashville, Tennessee. So, in the 1970s, he married Marilyn J. Fiske and left the northeast for Nashville where he would keep his day job and play with various bands in his spare time. Together, they lived most of their time in Hermitage, Tennessee and raised their family there. He played with various bands and various music genres, but typically played country and classic rock music.
Ed was very proud of his Italian heritage and was especially close with his mother. He enjoyed traveling across the country to visit his family. He had a fierce love for his family and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. Though not always spoken, he always found ways to let those around him know of his love for them. He loved well . . . was well-loved . . . and will be greatly missed.
Ed is preceded in death by his father, Armando D’Ovidio; his mother, Theresa (Iannacone) D’Ovidio; and his daughter, Trina (D’Ovidio) Henderson.
Ed is survived by his wife of forty-six years, Marilyn (Fiske) D’Ovidio; daughter, Melissa Deshaies; son, Edward D’Ovidio II and wife, Alisha; granddaughters: Kristen Simone and husband, Nick, and Hayley Travers; grandsons: Cameron D’Ovidio and wife, Skylar, Elijah Henderson and partner, Zan, Ethan Henderson, and Caleb D’Ovidio; great granddaughters: Emma Simone and Arielle D’Ovidio; great grandson, Liam Simone; sister, Virginia (D’Ovidio) Chevalier and husband, Ray; brothers: Ralph D’Ovidio Sr., David Allen D’Ovidio and partner, Alvaro Arguello, and Joseph D’Ovidio and wife, Janice. He also leaves behind extended family members.
There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends at Hermitage Funeral Home on Monday, July 15, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. A Celebration of Life will follow at 12:00 PM in the Tulip Grove Room at the funeral home with Deacon Michael Wilkins officiating. Following the service, Ed will be laid to rest in the Garden of the Cross at Hermitage Memorial Gardens.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the D’Ovidio family at www.HermitageFH.com.
