Edward \”Ed\” Richard Pirrotta, aged 69, of Spicer, Minnesota, peacefully departed this life on the morning of Wednesday, April 3, at Rochester Methodist Hospital, following a courageous battle with an extended illness.

A heartfelt memorial Mass of Christian Burial is set to take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 8, at the serene Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Spicer. Friends and family are warmly invited to gather for visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the service begins at the church. Following the Mass, Ed will be laid to rest in the tranquil church cemetery, accompanied by military honors rendered by the Willmar American Legion Post #167. In lieu of flowers, memorials are graciously requested to be sent to Hope Lodge at 411 2nd Street NW, Rochester, MN. Arrangements have been entrusted to Peterson Brothers Green Lake Funeral Home in Spicer.

Ed was born on December 18, 1943, in the city of Camden, New Jersey, to Andrew and Anna (Staszewski) Pirrotta. He spent his formative years in Camden, thriving in Catholic schools and proudly graduating from Gloucester Catholic High School in 1963. In 1964, Ed answered the call of duty, enlisting in the U.S. Army, where he served 13 months in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) of Korea, fulfilling his role with honor and resilience.

In 1966, he embarked on an academic journey at Mankato State University, where he dedicated himself to his studies, ultimately graduating in 1970 with a dual Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Business Education. His thirst for knowledge led him to further his education at the University of Minnesota and St. Cloud State University, where he pursued a master’s degree.

On August 19, 1967, Ed celebrated a beautiful union with Tomi Jean Buckingham, weaving a tapestry of love that filled their lives in the picturesque communities of Willmar and Spicer. Together, they shared over 45 years, creating a warm home for their three children: Lori (Elliott and Anna-Jean), Anthony \”Tony\” (Anthony \”AJ\”), and Andrew \”Andy.\” Ed imparted his skills and passion for woodworking by teaching carpentry at Ridgewater College from 1972 to 2003, shaping the minds of many aspiring craftsmen.

A devout member of St. Mary\’s Catholic Church in Willmar for several years, Ed later embraced the welcoming spirit of Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Spicer, where he actively engaged as a religion teacher, sharing his faith with others. His commitment extended to various community organizations, including the American Legion Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Elks Lodge, Little Crow Country Club, and many more, reflecting his dedication to service and fellowship.

Ed\’s greatest legacy lies in the time and talents he generously donated to his family, friends, and community, especially through his passion for design and carpentry. A spirited competitor, he relished the thrill of golf, the challenge of card games, and the strategic finesse of Scrabble, cherishing moments spent in good-natured competition.

He is lovingly survived by his devoted wife, Tomi, of Spicer; three children: Lori (and Michael) Walz of Broken Arrow, OK, Tony (and Monica) Pirrotta of New London, and Andrew Pirrotta of Spicer; and three cherished grandchildren: Elliott R.E. Walz, Anna-Jean L. Walz, and AJ Pirrotta. In addition, he is survived by his three brothers: Andrew (and Carol) Pirrotta of Sewell, NJ, Anthony Pirrotta of Glendora, NJ, and Louis (and Lisa) Pirrotta of Spicer; his three sisters: Veronica (and William) Kenney of Haddon Heights, NJ, Josephine (and Jack) Comly of Coral Springs, FL, and Eleanor (and Joseph) Scarduzio of Sewell, NJ; a sister-in-law, Patricia Pirrotta of Collings Lake, NJ; and a multitude of other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents and a brother, Colagero \”Joe\” Pirrotta, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and inspiration that will continue to resonate in the hearts of those he touched.