Edward R. Vagnini a.k.a. "Papa" and "The Big Guy," passed away peacefully on January 4th, 2022.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Janet Montambo Vagnini, his loving and devoted daughters Lisa Kalafus, Gina and Stacy Vagnini. Ed also leaves behind his "son" Chris Kalafus, his adoring grandchildren Alissa and her fiance Michael Ruscz, Caitlin (Kalafus) Blessing and her wife Kayla, Carly (Kalafus) Valleau and her husband Paul, Cori Kalafus, Molly and Ellie Belinkie. Papa also had four beautiful great-grandchildren Jacob, Charlie, Lily, and Carter who were the light of his life.

Ed is also survived by his loving brothers Kenneth Vagnini and Thomas Pochron, brother and sister in-laws, several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and the best friends anyone could ever wish for.

Ed cherished his pets and treated them as if they were human members of the family. Ed loved many things in life. Golf (he even got a hole-in-one five times!), the Yankees and Giants, but most importantly his greatest treasure in life was his family. Family was everything in the world to him. Ed was the first to suggest and arrange a family gathering and plan the menu. He was the key to keeping family connected both near and far. He loved to grease up the kitchen and make Sunday sauce and eat at the dining room table surrounded by loved ones. Shopping at Sorrento's was a weekly trip along with rooting for his favorite teams and talking sports trivia with the guys. After graduating from Harding High School in 1958, Ed proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force. In his later years, he was a highly anticipated annual guest speaker in his daughter's 3rd grade classroom, excited to share his stories of service on Veterans Day. After the service, he began a life-long career in the auto sales industry. He was a fantastic salesman and as they say, he could sell ice to an eskimo!

Ed will forever be remembered by everyone for his incredible sense of humor and for his immense appreciation for family and friends. Within 30 seconds of meeting him, you were instantly attached to his infectious and larger than life personality. He loved hard and unconditionally, never passing judgment, life is too short for that.

At Ed's request, there will be no services. He never wanted people to sadly mourn him.

In lieu of flowers, the Big Guy is requesting for you to take the time to celebrate life, reach out and spend time with the people you cherish and always remember to live and love large. That's all Ed ever wanted! Ed will be deeply missed by his entire family and close friends from now until the end of time.

The Adzima Funeral 50 Paradise Green Place Stratford has been entrusted with the arrangements.