Edward R. Paraiso

On Monday, June 15, 2020, Edward R. Paraiso peacefully passed away in his home in Staten Island, New York. Beloved by many, he spent the last week of his life visited by numerous friends and family members. He also recently celebrated both his 80th birthday and 54th wedding anniversary.
The first-born child of Soledad Ragasa and Marcelino Paraiso, Edward was born on June 4th, 1940 in Ilocos Sur, Philippines. In 1962, he graduated top of his class from the Far East Asian Technical Institute University with a BA in Civil Engineering. For years after placing fourth in his board exam, he endearingly claimed that he would have placed first — had he not met Erlinda Biasbas, his future wife, during his last year of school. 
As a civil engineer, Edward made signifiant infrastructural contributions to Metropolitan Manila. His contributions extended beyond his career: he also helped many famiy members and friends find jobs in order to support their own families. Throughout his life, Edward consistently offered his humble help to those around him. 
On his 26th birthday in 1966, Edward married Erlinda. Their first three children — Edelyn, Edward II, and Edward II — were born in Manila, Philippines. When Erlinda moved to the U.S. in 1970 to work as a nurse, Edward stayed in Marikina and raised the children. They all moved to New York when martial law began in the Philippines in 1972. 
Together, the Paraisos landed first in Brooklyn, then settled in Staten Island. Although Erlinda encouraged him to pursue an American degree, Edward immediately began his career as a business manager: above all else, he wanted to be able to afford the best opportunities for his children.
After his favorite child, Ederlinda, was born in 1976, Edward began his most important job yet: “BMW,” or “Bring Mommy to Work.” Edward spent his days driving Erlinda to and from the hospital, fixing things around the house, caring for the four children, and spending time with his various groups of friends. He taught his children how to fish, how to play baseball, and how to bet on horses. In his spare time, he watched basketball while barbequeing with his friends from SIPAG; went fishing with other friends at 5am at the pier; and went to off-track betting at the horse race tracks with yet more friends. Edward never seemed to run out of energy and love for the people lucky enough to be in his life. He showed up as a husband, father, and friend with tireless devotion, time and time again. 
Edward is survived by hise wife of fifty-four years, Erlinda Biasbas Paraiso; his children, Edelyn (Mark), Edward II (Mitty), Edward III, and Ederlinda (Paul); his adopted daughters, Maricel (Oskar) and Diana (Jensen); his fifteen grandchildren, Danielle, Jake, Kayla, Nicholas, Charles, Julia, Cole, Jonathan Paul, Jericho, Lucas, Celine, Mikaela, Mason, Esperanza, and Zachary; and his sister, Tessie (John). 
Edward always put the needs of his family before his own. His legacy lives on in the quiet kindness and generosity that he taught to his children and his grandchildren; his spirit and advice will bless the generations to come. May Edward rest in the comfort and everlasting love that he gifted to us all. 
 

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