Edward C. Melone Naples, FL

Edward C. Melone, 85, dearly loved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away on February 26, 2015.

Ed was born on March 20, 1929 in Chicago, IL. He at tended Maryville Academy in Des Plaines, IL and was a 1951 graduate of DePaul University. Following graduation, Ed enlisted in the U. S. Army and was stationed in Aberdeen, MD during the Korean War. He remained active in the Army Reserves for eight years following his discharge in 1953.

On April 14, 1956, Ed married the love of his life, Marilyn North who he met during his residency at Maryville. During the 1970's, he was the coowner of World of Music in Joliet, IL and in the early 80's he relocated to Florida to assist in the expansion of Crowther Roofing to Naples.

A lifelong athlete and sports enthusiast, as a teenager Ed boxed, played baseball, football and basketball. Later he continued to play until his heart attack in 1972. He then coached men's slow pitch softball, his sons' baseball teams and his daughters' tennis, softball and t-ball teams. For the past 30 years, Ed was dedicated to saving the lives of unborn babies through his work with the National Right to Life and as Treasurer of the Naples Pro-Life Council.

Ed's lifelong ministries of faith, family and friendship emphasized kindness to everyone. He followed the steps of St. Francis in every chapter of his life serving those in need including opening his home to the children of Maryville and teaching English to the Haitian community of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Naples.

Ed is dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Marilyn; his cherished eight children, Christie Dowd (John), Terese Flanigan, Marybeth Rohe (Tim), Joanne Kohlhagen (Jay), Kathleen Radak (Terry), Michael Melone (Kelly), Louanne Fischer (Patrick) and Wendy Hamilton (Jim); 29 adored grandchildren, John (Kate), Lauren, and Alex Dowd, Sarah Glog, Timothy, Lisa, Courtney, Matthew, Anthony, and Domenic Rohe, Brett, Stephanie, Michael, and Ryan Kohlhagen, Conrad Worthy, Chelsea and Corey Melone, William Radak, Zachary, Alec, Megan, and Mia Melone, Francesca, Marissa, Joseph, and Christian Fischer, Emma, Audrey, and Jack Hamilton; and five treasured great grandchildren, Johnny and Jake Dowd, Tyler Glog, Timothy Rohe, Jacob Kohlhagen; beloved brother, Christe Melone (Connie); sisters-in-law, Marge Melone and Pat Efrosinis; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Ed is welcomed into the loving arms of the Lord our God and is reunited with his beloved son, Eddie Melone; loving parents and family Americo and Nancy Melone; siblings, Earl, Francesca, Maria, and George Melone; grandson, Christopher Glog; brothers-in-law, Tom, Jack and Bob North.

Ed's family will receive friends TOMORROW, Sunday, March 1, 2015, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Fuller Funeral Home, 4735 Tamiami Trail East, Naples.

The funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, March 2, 2015,at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter the Apostle, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ed's memory may be made to the Naples Pro-Life Council.

Online condolences may be made at www.fullernaples.com