Edward John Garton – loving husband, father of two and friend to many – passed away on February 9,2021 at the age of 60 with his wife Laurie by his side. Ed was born on May 24th, 1960 in Philadelphia, PA to Edward and Patricia Garton. He was a talented multi-sport athlete at Washington Township High School in Turnersville, NJ achieving many honors in Baseball, Football and Basketball throughout his high school years. His talent along with his commitment and dedication to sports lead him to be nicknamed “Charlie Hustle” after his childhood idol Pete Rose. His performance in high school led him to be awarded a baseball scholarship to the University of Iowa in 1978. He excelled offensively and defensively as a 3rd baseman for the Hawkeyes and was drafted in the 18th Round by the New York Mets in 1981. In 1981, Ed wed Lori Massaro and raised two sons, Eddie and Ryan, in Palm Harbor, FL. In 2009, Ed married Laurie Dee. Together they built a beautiful home in Spring Hill, FL. Over the years Ed and Laurie enjoyed traveling throughout the US and St. Thomas but most of all spending time at home with their Fur-babies. Ed had an undeniable passion for baseball throughout his life. After his collegiate and professional career, he turned to coaching. For those who knew him personally, they understood this underlying passion that may have appeared to others as an obsession. He always wanted what was best for the athlete to push them to new heights. Ed coached his two sons as well as many other young athletes that respected his hard-nosed coaching style, some of which have excelled to their own professional careers in baseball. He was well known in the baseball community for his dedication to the game as well as his “passion” that at times landed him a seat in the parking lot to watch the rest of the game. His coaching accomplishments followed suit with his prior on field performances as he led multiple teams between Palm Harbor Little League and The West Florida Young Guns to District, State and National Championships. Ed took great pride in his sons’ many accomplishments both in their professional and personal life as they began to build families of their own. His sons, Eddie and Ryan, continue to carry on his baseball legacy in their own life. Ed enjoyed the opportunity to watch his grandsons play baseball coached by Eddie; as well as watching Ryan continue his collegiate and professional baseball career. In the later years of his life, Ed’s health had many ups and downs. His loving wife, Laurie, took a vow to never leave his side and she kept that vow. She referred to him as her “Miracle Man” for his strength to pull through the many health obstacles he endured. Ed will be deeply missed by his friends, family and all who knew him but will never be forgotten. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Patricia, and brother, Glenn. Ed is survived by his wife, Laurie; his sons, Eddie and Ryan; his three grandchildren, Ryland, Evan and Maelyn; his brother, Steve; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. We are remembering Ed with a contribution to SLAMT1D, Inc. a non-profit organization supporting children, families and adults living with T1D (Type 1 Diabetes).
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