Edward Joseph Tesoriero

A native of Cortland, New York, Edward grew up on the east end of the city in a big Italian Family where even his cousins lived next door. He attended Cortland High School, played football and helped his father with the family business, Cortland Produce Inc. Staying close to home Edward enrolled at SUNY Cortland majoring in recreation. Undeniably patriotic Edward served his country on a tour of duty in Germany.

Upon completion of his tour he married Annette Canestraro of Syracuse, NY, the mother of his children and settled into managing the family business. Under his direction and with the help of his partner Gary Law the company flourished and grew into a regional foodservice distributor. During his 40-year career he became a pillar in the community gaining a reputation of honesty and integrity. When Edward decided to step aside, he passed the business onto his sons Douglas Tesoriero and Paul Tesoriero and moved to Sarasota, Florida.

For twenty-five years Edward lived a charmed life in the Circus City. He made it a priority to give back and spent 25 years at the world-renowned Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. He was recently honored with a presidential medal for his service. He greeted visitors from all over the world while volunteering at the Sarasota International Airport and embraced the artistically enriched culture of Sarasota by volunteering at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and The Ringling’s Ca’Da’Zan.

It is said that a life well lived is a precious gift and a source of hope and strength. Edward lived everyday with an easy smile and a loving demeanor. Besides being a voracious reader, Edward was a man of many talents. He created Tall-Ship Model masterpieces he would proudly give to the people he loved most. His passion was in the kitchen cooking-up every Italian recipe known to man and savoring the flavors and aromas with his family. Anybody that met Ed was quickly put at ease and drawn to his warmth, intelligence and humor. The true measure of a man’s character is not what he does in times of comfort but how he reacts in difficult times. In life and in death, Edward faced the world with a strength and integrity that inspired those that loved him. He leaves a legacy we lovingly celebrate.

Edward is survived by his five children Douglas Tesoriero, Julie Scalera, E. Matthew Tesoriero, Jill Crotty and Paul Tesoriero, as well as his wife Elizabeth Tesoriero, ten grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and cousins. Edward was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Amelia Tesoriero and his sister Mary Jo Sforza.

In lieu of flowers, Edward and his family’s wishes are for donations to be made in his honor to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236. Attn: Development Office, https://mote.org/support/memorials-tributes.