Edwin Lawrence Radice

Edwin L. Radice, 78, passed away on January 24, 2015. Born in Buffalo, NY on August 30, 1936, Ed moved to Tampa with his family in 1948. Together they founded the One Stop Market on Hillsborough Avenue. He graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1954, going on to join the U.S. Army. Following his service, he attended the University of Tampa where he lettered in basketball and earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. Ed taught PE at Sligh Junior High School for many years, while also coaching football, track and basketball. Additionally, he coached community youth baseball. He began his career in recreation as a playground leader with the City of Tampa, subsequently moving to the position Athletic Director for Hillsborough County in 1966. By 1974, Ed was named Director of Parks and Recreation, a position he held with distinction for 28 years, shaping the landscape of Tampa by growing the number of parks from 75 to over 200 during his tenure. Ed received many honors and awards for his achievements in athletics, as well as his distinguished career with the parks department. A tribute to his legacy is Ed Radice Park, a sports complex which opened in 2001. Located on Ed Radice Drive, and appropriately enough, just off of Racetrack Road, this was a particularly great honor granted in his lifetime and during his career, given that it is one typically reserved for those no longer in office, requiring the board of county commissioners to allow a special dispensation to bestow the honor. Additionally, in 2007, he was inducted into the Hillsborough High School Hall of Fame in further recognition of his contributions to the county. Ed married the love of his life, Toni, on November 23, 1958. Theirs was was a marriage that sets the example for the type of relationship that others strive for. Together, they raised five children and grandchildren, all of whom feel like the luckiest kids in the world for having them. They accepted good and bad equally, loving each other and their kids with true feeling, never shying away from showing that love. It goes without saying that Ed loved sports, whether he was playing, coaching or watching. He loved the Atlanta Braves and followed them win or lose. Ed also loved going to the racetrack, a pastime fostered by time spent with his father. He could often be found placing bets at the Tampa Greyhound Track and Tampa Bay Downs. Ed’s main passion was always his family. He loved to spend time with his wife and children, later enjoying supporting his grandchildren at their many sporting events. Ed was preceded in death by his father, Edwin C. Radice; mother-in-law Stella E. Gullo; dear friends Dick Carlson, John Sinclair and Sandy Perrone; and his beloved dog, Dinky Lou Radice. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Toni Radice; son John Radice (Lori); daughters Kathy Bish (Jeff); Susan Christenson, Karen Schisler and Holly Muse (Stacy); grandchildren Ashley Bish, Jeffrey Bish, Zac Christenson, Allan Radice and Chase Christenson; stepmother Priscilla Radice Eshleman; siblings Richard Alderman, Diane Lawry, Sharon Lopez, Tim Radice and Robert Radice; aunt Lorriane Singerle; and uncle Pete Radice. The family invites all who knew Ed to attend his services. Visitation will take place Wednesday from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Blount & Curry Terrace Oaks Chapel, located at 12690 N. 56th Street. The funeral will take place at the same location the following morning at 11 a.m. Graveside service to follow at the Garden of Memories cemetery at 4207 East Lake Avenue. Donations in memory of Ed can be made to Friends of the County Parks and Recreation, P.O. Box 271911, 33688. All gifts in Ed’s honor will go toward funding programs for children in Hillsborough County.