Emidio Bastianelli

Born October 28, 1940, in Abruzzi, Italy, he was a son of the late Dante and Rosina Muziani Bastianelli. After graduating Irvington High School, Class of 1960, he proudly served in the U.S. Army, demonstrating his deep patriotism, while embracing his Italian-American heritage. Following his military service, Ed founded West End Coins and Gold, where his honesty, knowledge, and friendly personality earned him the trust and respect of countless customers over the years.

Music was Ed’s greatest passion. A gifted singer, he had the honor of performing at Carnegie Hall. Music also led him to the love of his life, Kathrine, who he met in 1999, and married September 15, 2012. She came to hear him sing every weekend, never missing an opportunity to listen to the voice she adored. Ed’s love of music extended far beyond singing. He was a talented musician, playing guitar, harmonica, and just about any instrument he could get his hands on. There was almost always a guitar within arms reach, ready to be picked up and played. When he wasn’t making music, he enjoyed playing cards, trying his luck at the casino, and wandering the aisles of the Collingwood Flea Market.

Ed was preceded in death by his wife of 13 beautiful years, Kathrine, and brother, Tito Bastianelli, whom he always looked up to.

He will be deeply missed by his daughter, Chrissy Bastianelli-Krzeminski and her husband, Rich; grandchildren Brandon, Isabella, and Alex; as well as seven beloved nieces and nephews.

To know Ed was to know true happiness. His smile was constant, his laughter was contagious, and his optimism unwavering. He had a remarkable gift for finding joy in life and sharing it with everyone around him. As his daughter lovingly put “Depressed was never in his vocabulary”.

Visiting hours will be held from 3 PM to 7 PM Monday, August 3, 2026 at Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, 26 Mule Road Toms River, NJ 08755. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Tuesday at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 685 Hooper Ave, Toms River, NJ 08753. Interment will follow in St. Catherine's Cemetery, 1100 W Chicago Blvd, Sea Girt, NJ 08750.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.quinn-hoppingfh.com.