Edward Louis Repaci

The Repaci family relocated to San Diego in 1943. Eddie attended Kearny High School and graduated in 1949. He was senior class president, a California Scholarship Federation member, a Jr. Statesman, and in Mr. Ortiz’s choir. He played varsity sports on the golf and basketball teams. He was also a member of the Bonham Brothers Boys Band and marched three times in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day. As a youth, he once caddied for Bob Hope.

Eddie was an accomplished trumpeter who was always perfecting his art. In 1952, he enlisted in the US Air Force and auditioned for the prestigious 539th Band of the West. Eddie performed with the band throughout the country for his entire military career. He was honorably discharged as a technical sergeant.

After his military service, Eddie became a professional musician and toured the country with his showbands. He performed in upscale hotels and supper clubs from coast to coast. He was the music director at the Flamingo casino-hotel in Las Vegas, where he backed marquee acts such as June Valli.

Eddie met his future wife, singer Annette Stephens, in Texas when both were performing at the same night spot. After they were married, they hit the road for engagements at all the top lounges in Vegas, Reno, Chicago, Miami, New Orleans, and Dallas.

Eddie continued to play trumpet with his duo at the Red Fox Steakhouse and Piano Bar until his late 80s, attracting an eclectic crowd of all ages, from millennials to seniors. They all had one thing in common: They loved the Great American Songbook. Although Eddie admired the intricate jazz of Maynard Ferguson and Miles Davis, he knew from his years of gigging in lounge settings the importance of audience interaction. The combination of Eddie’s jazz improvisation, his Chet Baker-like vocals, along with his charismatic personality, made him a perennial favorite at the Red Fox.

The Repaci and Baris families are grateful to his dedicated and compassionate caregiver, Marta Bojorquez, who was Eddie’s angel and cared for him until he played his final note.

Eddie was predeceased by his parents, his brother Louis Repaci, and his sister Eleanor (Repaci) Baris. He is survived by his niece Michelle (Casey) Repaci-Riley, his nephews Sam (Tami) Baris, Scotty (Benita) Baris, grand-niece Jessica Baris, and the love of his life, his former wife Annette Stephens.