Edward C. Prange

Edward C. Prange passed peacefully December 2nd, 2022 leaving behind his loving wife of 63 years, Alice Prince Prange; their two children Jennifer Prange Smith (Thomas) and Kip Prange; two grandchildren Tiffany and Olivia; his brother Carl Jr.(Cathy); and nephews Michael, Adam, and AJ. He was predeceased by his loving parents Carl and Edna and niece, Lori. He graduated from the University of Florida with his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology. While at the University of Florida Ed met his lovely wife Alice and was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity and the Men’s Tennis team. After graduation he proceeded to join his father as pharmacist and proprietor of Shea and Prange Pharmacy. This Pharmacy was Ed’s true passion, inside you could find a 5 & 10 cent store, cosmetic counter, a soda fountain and a diner, as well as a liquor store. Additionally, he was the pharmacist and proprietor of Castle Pharmacy and Medical Center Pharmacy until his retirement.

Ed was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who devotedly served his family, his country in the Naval Reserves, St. John’s Episcopal Church, and his community through the Board of Adjustments. Through his love of the arts, he was a longtime supporter of the Florida Orchestra and The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, as well as board member of FTA, Orlando. He was active in various social clubs including the Mountaineers and the Timmaquanians. He was a proud member of the Egypt Shrine Center and Honor Patrol working closely with the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. He was a proud member of the Greenwood MissLodge 102 Free and Accepted Masons, the Tampa York Rite and 33 degree Scottish Rite, Royal Order of Jesters Court 89.

His quest for higher knowledge led him to earn a Master’s in Accounting and embark on a concentration of studies in Gerontology and English Literature from the University of South Florida. Ed was a marvelous writer and throughout his lifetime wrote dozens of short stories and poems that he shared with his family and friends. If he wasn’t furthering his knowledge in the classroom he was exploring the world visiting museums, popular landmarks, and theater productions across the globe. He traveled to various cities throughout the U.S. and the continents of Europe, Africa, and Asia. Ed’s favorite destinations were New York, Russia, Italy, and Egypt. Additionally, he was a sports enthusiast. You could always find him cheering on his alma mater, the Florida Gators, along with local Tampa Bay sports teams. Ed instilled his love of sports upon his granddaughters by taking them to Gators, Bulls, and Tampa Bay Rays games. Likewise, he was an avid tennis, golf and racquet ball player. He enjoyed the outdoors and spent many times traveling in his RV, riding his motorcycle, and scuba diving.

He will always be loved and remembered for his love of life, family, and friends. A memorial service will be held at Blount and Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories, 4207 E Lake Ave, Tampa, FL, 33610. Memorial donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive Tampa, FL, 33607. Ed’s family would also like to thank the team of The Estates of Hyde Park and Lifepath Hospice for all their loving care and support.