Edward Rampone

Services will be held on November 20th for Edward Rampone who died at his Santa Cruz home at the age of 94. Born at 109 Myrtle Street to Pasquale and Julia Rampone, he attended Laurel Elementary School, Mission Jr. High School, and graduated from Santa Cruz High School. Following high school and in the summers, Ed began caddying at Pasatiempo Golf Course and was a caddy for many famous people of that time including the owner of the golf course, Marion Hollins. Ed worked as a caddy for professional golfers, Babe Didrikson and Jimmy Demaret, and celebrities, Brian Aherne, Art Bell, Joan Fontaine, and Alan Hale Sr. In the winters, Ed worked for Davenport Packing Shed. In 1942, he was drafted into the army and was assigned to the 55th Armored Infantry Battalion of the 11th Armored Division. He served in the European Theatre for 15 months as Staff Sergeant in charge of a medical detachment. Ed saw action in the Battles of Ardennes, Rhineland, Central Europe and the Battle of the Bulge with General Patton's 3rd Army. In May of 1946, Ed was awarded The Bronze Star for heroic conduct after leading two litter bearer groups through mine fields to rescue wounded soldiers. Upon his return home, he married his longtime sweetheart Alpeda Vomvolakis. They were married for 47 years until Alpeda's death in 1994. Ed was also preceded in death by two children, Mark Edward and Lisa Lynn, who passed away at childbirth. Ed's first job back home was with Pfyffer Brothers Company. He then began a career with the U.S. Postal Service where he worked for the next 35 years until his retirement. Ed was a "49er Faithful" and one the original season ticket holders for past 55 years. Ed and Alpeda loved to dance at the Cocoanut Grove Ballroom to all the Big Bands and Swing Bands; rarely missing one those events. Many memories will be cherished of his boating holidays on Lake Shasta with his post office buddies, and following Alpeda's illness and passing, he took up ocean cruising to every corner of the globe, and started to dance again. Ed's had severe health issues, but the gift of his wonderful doctors, and Ed's always positive outlook on life, kept him dancing for the next 43 years. He was extremely grateful, and leaves many dear friends and dance partners who will certainly miss his style and warmth. Ed was past president and active member of the National Association of the U.S. Postal Service Club, the Marconi Club, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He leaves behind his loving brother, Richard Rampone, his nephew and his spouse, Randy and Lila Rampone, and their children; Chelsea and Jason Rampone. Ed also leaves his very special friend Peggy Mansfield. The family wishes to thank Hospice of Santa Cruz, and Ed's caregivers: Daleth, Nina, Rex, Ross, Myrna, Lucy, Maria, and Sandra. Contributions in Ed's memory may be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz. Friends may pay their respects at a viewing to be held on Thursday, November 19th at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The funeral ceremony will be held on Friday, November 20th at the chapel, beginning at 1 p.m. The committal at Holy Cross Mausoleum will be private. You can leave your thoughts and condolences with his family by visiting www.pacificgardenschapel.com