[saltfly]

My first call this a.m. after reading the bad news was to a neighbor and long time friend of Eds.Later today he called me back and asked me to post this;......Your phone call this morning informing me of ED's passing away really set me back..My last conversation with him was in late October.He was going back to New Jersey to look after his brother who was in failing health.........At a time when all but the Pope were selling their fish.Ed kept an occasional fish to eat and released the rest.Many mornings when I was leaving the beach I would run into Ed at his favorite fishing grounds[Highland Light]..Stop and B.S. for awhile and have a cup of his secret formula black coffee..I knew Ed was a special guy when I first met him..He stopped in at my tackle shop for a reel repair and nose around..For some strange reason I thought that he may be a priest and was quick to inform some of the gentlemen hanging around to watch their language..As I got to know Ed over the years I always admired him for his gentile ways and kindness that he showed to others...Many times I wished that I could be as forgiving and non-violent as him.We had alot of laughs when I would ask him to come down to Chatham inlet and join me and the rest of the Eastcoast fisherman that were lined up shoulder to shoulder..he said that he would rather sit in his chair and relax on a quiet beach sipping his coffee.I think that he had the right idea....GOD rest his gentile soul and the wonderful memory that he leaves......Your Pisano.......TONY CHIARAPPO