Obituary of Edward L Avena

Edward L. Avena, 84, of Vineland, NJ, passed away on February 26, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Edward was born in Vineland to parents Louis and Eugenia "Jenny" (Bertolla) Avena on August 19, 1939. He graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1957 and went on to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from St. Joseph's College, presently known as St Joseph's University. Edward was an avid athlete and was known as one of the "big three" on the Sacred Heart High School basketball team along with his dear friends to this day - Joe Ambrose and Rich Genoni. He played all four years of high school on one of the most successful teams in school's history. Ed continued his basketball career at St. Joseph's College where he played his freshman year. After college he played in the City of Vineland Basketball league from 1957 to 1966 where he was selected as the most valuable player in the 1962-1963 season. Ed also played Varsity Baseball for Sacred Heart High School from 1954 - 1957 and was a Varsity starter for 4 years at St. Joseph's College from 1958 - 1961. He then went on to play Greater Vineland Baseball semi-pro league for North Italy Club. The team won the league championships in 1957 and 1958. Ed was inducted into the league's hall of fame in 2007. In 2011 Ed was honored to be inducted into the Sacred Heart High School Hall of Fame for his accomplishments in both Basketball and Baseball. But those of us who knew Ed well knew his true love in sports was the game of golf. He was a long-standing member of the Buena Vista Country Club where he became club champion in 1989. He golfed in various golf leagues over the years including the "Doerr Golf Association" and the "Casino League" forming long standing friendships with his fellow golfers (too many to mention here) who shared his love for the game of golf. Ed, along with his wife Irene, were asked in 1984 to help resurrect the Sacred Heart High School Athletic Association. Ed became President of the Association and along with an outstanding committee they raised countless dollars to help sustain the athletic programs for the school. After graduating from St. Joseph's College in 1961, Ed worked for an accounting firm in Philadelphia, PA for 3 years. He then partnered with his brother Daniel J. Avena and they operated a successful accounting business together until 1993 when Ed formed his own practice under the name of Edward L. Avena PA. Ed loved all of his clients and treated them like his family. Ed was a member of the NJ Association of Public Accountants along with countless other organizations over the years where he routinely served as an officer or Treasurer. He was a member of the Jaycees, CEO club, Northern Italian Beneficial Association and many other groups. He served as Treasurer of the Cumberland County Republican Organization for 17 years, Treasurer for State Senator Nicholas Asselta and was a member of the Cumberland County Board of Taxation and the City of Vineland Zoning Board. Ed was a true gentleman and had a quiet way about him. He took pride in the way he conducted himself in business and in his personal life. While all of the athletic and professional accomplishments made Ed proud, he was most proud and happiest around his wife of 60 years Irene and his loving family. Ed met Irene in high school, and they formed a bond that lasted through 60 years of marriage, three children, seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. His love for his family could be seen by all as he often boasted of how proud he was of them. He would do anything for his kids and grandkids and would always be there to listen, give advice and help when needed. When Ed's wife Irene passed away in 2022 Ed was truly heartbroken. Ed and Irene were high school sweethearts and together for 68 years. There wasn't a day that he didn't say how much he missed her. The family feels relief knowing that Ed and Irene are together again for eternity. Ed will be sadly missed by his daughters and sons-in-law Teresa Shindel (Richard) and Beverly DiMatteo (Jeffrey); his grandchildren, Tammie Biagi (Nicholas), Carissa Shindel, Dana DiMatteo, Richard Shindel, and Jaime DiMatteo and his great-grandchildren Ava, Liliana and Dante Biagi. Ed is also survived by his son Edward L. Avena, Jr. (Trisha) and their 2 daughters Logan Avena and Madison Avena; sister-in-law Angelina Avena (Daniel); brothers-in-law, Felix Girone (Janice), Nicholas Girone (Judy) and Joseph Girone (Elaine) and many nieces and nephews. Ed leaves behind his beloved dog "Lucky" who stayed by Ed's side until his final breath. Ed was predeceased by his parents Louis & Eugenia "Jenny" (Bertolla) Avena, and brother Daniel J. Avena. A church visitation will be held on Friday morning, March 1, 2024 from 11am to 1pm followed by a funeral mass at 1pm from Christ The Good Shepherd Parish - Church Of Sacred Heart, 1010 East Landis Avenue, Vineland. Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Vineland where he will be laid to rest beside his loving wife Irene. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 Donations in memory of Edward can be made to Christ the Good Shepherd Parish, 1655 Magnolia Road, Vineland, NJ 08361. To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com