Edward Anthony Nigrelli Sr.

He was the oldest son of Sam and Gussy Nigrelli of Westerly, Rhode Island. Ed served his country proudly in World War II as a member of the United States Navy, service #205-3590. He saw action in both the European and Asian theaters as a crew member on the USS Schmitt, DE-676 and USS Auman, APD-117 respectively.

After the war, Ed played guitar and sang country music at some of the honky-tonks in the New England area. He garnered the notice of RCA record executive Steve Sholes and went on to record eighteen songs under the stage name of Eddie Marshall. Some of the songs he recorded were: “The Tom Cat Blues”, “Three Kisses”, “Buddy, Stay off Of That Wine”, “I Could Lose These Blues”, “Coffee, Cigarettes & Tears”, “The Lovin’-You-Continu’lly Blues”, “My Bucket’s Been Fixed” (with Chet Atkins on lead guitar), “Crossroads”, “Honky Tonk Blues” (again with Chet Atkins), “A Hundred Ways To Break A Heart”, “Oh Dear, Where Could My Honey Be?”, “There’s No Escape”, “If You Don’t Believe I’m Leaving, Just Count The Days I’m Gone”, “Playhouse Of Love” (duet with Rosalie Allen, both sides), “Mine, All Mine”, “Blue Eyes (How Could You)”, “Moblin’ Baby Of Mine”, “I Shoulda Said”.

Ed went touring with Tex Ritter, Bill Carlisle, and a young Bill Haley. RCA teamed Eddie Marshall up with established artist Rosalie Allen to sing duets. A stint on The Grand Ole Opry brought him into contact with many other famous singers and songwriters.

In 1952, he decided family was more important than the rigors of touring and he stepped away from music to be a husband and father and pursue a career in the carpentry trade.

In 1962 the family packed up the station wagon and, with less than $200 and the promise of one week’s work, moved to San Jose, CA. He built his reputation as a carpenter, eventually becoming the Senior Business Representative for the Carpenters’ Union, Local 316. Ed retired in 1987, relocating to Clearlake Oaks, CA. It is here he would spend the remainder of his days tinkering in his beloved workshop and telling the most wonderful tales of a lifetime filled with accomplishment.

Ed was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend; he will be deeply missed. He is survived by his brother Sam Nigrelli Jr. of Westerly, Rhode Island, his wife Joyce and their six children, fourteen grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. The world has lost, and Heaven has gained, a man of real honor and integrity. May Heaven revel in his intelligence, wit and song.

Graveside services, with military honors, will be held at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, Dixon on Friday, February 26, 2016 beginning at 11:00 am.

Arrangements under the direction of Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel FD 800, Lower Lake, CA.