Eduardo Gil

Eddy was born in Palma Soriano, Oriente, Cuba. He first came to the United States in 1959 to begin his college career in Jacksonville, Florida, eventually moving to Miami in 1960, where he reunited with and married his beloved bride in May 1961. He continued his studies in Miami while working as a short-order cook at the Miami Seaquarium.

Eddy earned an Associate of Science degree in Electronic Data Processing from Miami-Dade Junior College, a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Florida International University and, while raising a family, an MBA from Nova University. He built a successful career, working his way up to the position of Vice President of Audit and Compliance at Morgan Stanley.

To those who knew him best, Eddy was a complex man — talented, perceptive, opinionated, a straight shooter, and unforgettable. He had a sharp intellect and valued honesty, hard work, and perseverance, viewing the world with a discerning eye. Though often reserved and strong-willed, he expressed love through his dedication to and unwavering support of his family, as well as his steadfast presence throughout their lives. His family always felt the depth of his love and commitment to them.

Eddy leaves behind memories of wisdom, resilience, determination, humor, creativity, and a life lived fully on his own terms. One fond memory shared by his grandchildren was how “Abuelo” could make them laugh without even trying. He would eat pears and apples from stem to stem, claiming it was the right way to eat them, though he never quite finished them. And whenever they told him, “I love you,” he would reply, “I love you, and, I know, I love me too.”

As a hobby, Eddy loved to draw and paint. His work included cartoons, caricatures — especially of political figures — birds, landscapes, portraits, and anything else that inspired him. He loved Disney, especially Scrooge McDuck, and had one of the largest Disney movie collections we had ever seen. He also loved listening to music — he played the harmonica — and loved traveling. He enjoyed many cruises and traveled extensively throughout Europe, from Switzerland to the Canary Islands.

Eddy was preceded in death by his parents, Eduardo Gil and Rosa Gil Estevez.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Maria Teresa Gil Cata; his three daughters, Rosa Blau, Maria Kitchell, and Ana Friedrichs; his sons-in-law, Lewis Blau, Joe Kitchell, and Jay Sachkowsky; his five grandchildren, Matthieu Blau, Madelyn Blau, Charles Blau, Julia Friedrichs, and Clay Friedrichs; his brother, Alex Gil, and his wife, Beatrice; his loving sister-in-law, Ecilda Cata; and longtime family friend, Elsita Sanz.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to their dear friends and neighbors, Yadira Vargas and Scott Friedman, for the care, love, and compassion they continually showed to Eddy and the family, especially during his final days.

An entombment will take place at Rosedale Cemetery, 750 E. Linden Avenue, Linden, NJ 07036 on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 12:15pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eddy’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.