OBITUARY

Edward J Garton

May 24, 1960 – February 9, 2021
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Edward J Garton

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). https://www.slamt1d.org/donate/

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    Saturday, February 20, 2021

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    Saturday, February 20, 2021

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Edward J Garton

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Troy Epping

February 23, 2021

Played with Ed at Iowa in the late 70's. Very hard nosed competitor. He also had tremendous respect for the game and his teammates.
Sorry to hear of his passing. May he be with the Lord.

John "Moose" Hamer

February 21, 2021

I played Little League baseball with Eddie on Turney Ford and Shoetown in Washington Twp Athletic Association. I remember him as a star at WTHS. Prayers for him and his family 😢🙏

Jim McMichael

February 20, 2021

It was my pleasure and honor to work with Ed after his baseball career. He was always highly motivated and passionate about is work. He carried his baseball principals and coaching attitude into the training and building of his sales team and taught me several things along the way too. He touched and changed a lot of lives. He was a very proud Husband and Father, as he always shared events of his family’s adventures and accomplishments.

My prayers & condolences to the Garton Family

Dick Turelli

February 20, 2021

Had the honor of playing baseball with Eddie at The University of Iowa. One of the most passionate and talented teammates I had the pleasure of playing with. There's a cliche' in sports about "Leaving it all out on the field". Eddie certainly did every inning of every game. He regularly had the dirtiest uniform at the end of the game from diving both left and right for ground balls and his hard play on the basepaths. It was a privilege to compete with Eddie and call him a teammate. Rest easy My Friend.

Limda Edelmann

February 19, 2021

You made my dear friend, your wonderful wife so happy. You will be missed and Tom and I enjoyed our fun day together on the boat ride through down town on the Hillsborough River and out to Davis and Harbor Island. Memories are all we have now but trust that you will be forever loved and never forgotten. Laurie Dee, you did good! Awesome man.🙏🙏😢😢

Audri Ryan

February 19, 2021

Dear Laurie,

I am so sorry for your loss; you were a dedicated, loving wife who cared for your husband, Ed, with an abundance of love, respect and compassion.

Love you my friend,

Audri

Lance Platz

February 19, 2021

I knew Ed from Iowa baseball. He was a freshmen, I was a senior. He was very talented and well liked on the team. Various memories flash through my mind but the one that sticks out was a bases loaded almost homerun against Michigan. I was on third and watched Ed battle the pitcher for various pitches until Ed got the one he wanted. Ed did this many times throughout the season and was an All Big Ten Award winner as a freshmen. This particular at bat would have won the game for sure and gotten us in the Big Ten tournament. It just was not far enough over the fence as the left fielder reached over the fence to take the home run away. We were disappointed as you could imagine but as young men we still enjoyed our ride home playing cards and enjoying Life. Ed, RIP, you will be missed. Lance

jeff green

February 18, 2021

Playing baseball at the Univ. of Iowa with Eddie was a thrill. Few played harder than Eddie and enjoyed the game as much. All the Hawks were privileged to play alongside Eddie. Rest in peace 3rd basemen and know you'll always be a great Hawkeyes.

Chris Mergen

February 18, 2021

Eddie was a true team leader and teammate. It was an honor to get to know him and call him friend. Thoughts and prayers are being sent for the entire Garton family. May you rest in peace #10.

Maydean Thygesen

February 17, 2021

Dear Laurie
Please feel peace and comfort in knowing that you were so strong and giving in totally dedicating the last couple of years to care for your love, Ed.
You have been an amazing wife and caregiver. We have all seen your dedication to your Ed.
Love to you my dear friend
Mimi

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