Edward David Daigrepont

Edward David Daigrepont, affectionately known to many as Eddie, departed this life and ascended into heaven, on July 5, 2024, in San Diego, California, leaving behind incredible memories of love, humor, and dedication toward family and friends, for years to come. 

Born in Buffalo, New York, December 28 1937, Eddie was born the fourth child born in line, among sisters, Helen, Margaret, Sally, and Stella.

When Eddie (Sonny) was in his younger days growing up, he was an altar boy, as well as had the responsibility of a paper route. This job involved getting up extremely early, and included, like his walk to school every day, traveling in the snow, 20 miles, uphill, both ways.

Eddie's early education culminated in his graduation from McKinley Vocational High School in 1956, studying carpentry and intramural sports.

Upon graduating, and eventually moving to Florida, he excelled as a dance instructor, where he met his future wife, Elynore (Terry), fellow Arthur Murray Dance Studio's instructor; and the two were married on November 26, 1960.

Eventually finding their forever home in San Diego, California, Eddie embarked on a career path that showcased his incredible, outgoing personality and ability to connect with serving others. 

He began his hospitality journey as the Maitre d' at the prestigious Hotel Del Coronado, in Coronado, CA, This position highlighted his charm and impeccable grace and class, serving well known patrons such as then, actor and former California Governor, Ronald Reagan, along with several elite celebrities in the likes of, Walt Disney, Lloyd Bridges, Robert Loggia, and many others. He then also served as a waiter, at the famous El Cortez Hotel, in downtown San Diego in the early 1960's, where he waited on guests with his obvious charisma.

Within month of being married, Eddie would be drafted and served in the United States Army from 1961 through 1962, as a sharpshooter and missile training, receiving the medal of good conduct, having served in Korea, then was honorably discharged.

After returning from his military service, Eddie transitioned into working with the Gulf Oil Company, now known as General Atomics, taking on the responsibilities of a Shipping and Receiving Clerk where his tenure there lasted until the early 1980's; a period during which he earned the respect of his colleagues through his reliability and strong work ethic until he retired.

During this time, in the mid to late 1960's, their family grew, and he and Terry were blessed with two daughters, Regina and Tracey, and eventually with 3 grandchildren, William, Nicholas, and Mandi.

Over his entire life, Eddie had MANY passionate interests and hobbies. He enjoyed discovering new restaurants and had a taste for sampling foods from all over the world. He'd always say, "How do you know that you don't like it, until you've tried it!" Loving to experiment with foods, and always relying on what he learned at the "Del", repeating, "It's ALL about the presentation!", made him an outstanding cook, server, and host, with the upmost etiquette and class, yet still taught his girls to make Fried Bologna Sandwiches; how to perfectly fry an egg, mix Bloody Mary's, and perfect his favorite cocktail, a good Manhattan.

Listening to music was also a favorite pastime of his. Between the works of Italian opera singer, Mario Lanza & Andrea Bocelli, the great Tom Jones, Trini Lopez, Mexican/Mariachi radio stations, Argentine Tango music, and famous cousin Bruce Daigrepont's Cajun Band, he was well diversed with many different tastes in music.

He was a huge horse racing enthusiast (having actually worked at a racetrack in New York as a kid); enjoyed shooting pool or ping pong with friends and family, and at one point, was good enough to become a professional bowler.

He was a PHENOMENAL dancer, and at one time, a lobster fisherman (who got seasick on the dock); a carpenter (who was afraid of heights), yet loved his Westerns, Kung Fu, and Tarzan flicks. He was a HUGE John Wayne/Clint Eastwood/Johnny Weissmuller/Charles Bronson/James Bond and Audie Murphy fan!

Eddie had an incredible sense of humor; an absolute animal lover; a dedicated babysitter (in between naps); and was a fantastic storyteller. A talent which he passed on to his daughters, nieces and nephews.

He absolutely loved sports, including boxing - Mohammed Ali; the greatest athlete of all time - Jim Thorpe; the San Diego Padres & San Diego Chargers - only when they were winning! 

Probably, one of the most passionate adventures about Eddie, was the coaching of his daughters, and everybody else's daughters, in the Del Gardens Bobby Sox Softball League, in the late 1970's and early 1980's. He was beyond dedicated and determined, on and off the field, to teach every girl, everything he knew about the sport and the art of playing the game. He was a "Natural Born Coach". A quote he would always say was, "When you do good, I'll tell ya! And when you do bad, I'll tell ya that too!"

He was a loving husband, caring father, doting grandfather, and a treasured friend, who will be greatly missed!

He is survived by his beloved daughters, Regina Daigrepont-Wagner and Tracey Daigrepont-McWilliams, who will carry forward his legacy of kindness, sense of humor, unbelievable strength, undeniable passion (with a hint of stubborness) in his memory for years to come. 

His role as a grandfather was one he cherished and enjoyed deeply, and is survived by his adoring grandchildren: William McWilliams IV, Nicholas Wagner IV, and Mandi McWilliams.

Edward's family bonds extended further with the loving presence of his surviving sisters, Sally Roddy and Stella Yaussi, and numerous nieces and nephews, who remain as guardians of shared memories, hilarious stories, and cherished moments. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Elynore (Terry) Daigrepont and sisters, Helen DeMarco and Margaret Brodnick, whose spirit now joins them together in eternal life.

In his lifetime, Edward David Daigrepont was a testament to resilience, and unwavering dedication to his family and friends. His legacy is etched not only in the hearts of those who knew him, but also in the memories created through the years of laughter, support, coaching, teaching, and love. 

As we remember Eddie, we celebrate a life well-lived, a journey marked by grace, epitome of class, wonderful and hilarious tales, and an enduring spirit that will forever resonate in the lives he touched.

An encouraging family phrase and traditional saying he'd always recited affectionately, along with his loving brother-in-law and friend, Hank Brodnick, was actually taken from the bible in Matthew 6: 25-34, but in fewer words:

 "Don't worry about it!"

Edward David Daigrepont's

*Celebration Of Life*

will be held:

Date: Saturday, October 12th, 2024 @ 11:00am

Place: Foothills Christian Church

365 W. Bradley Avenue 

El Cajon, CA 92020