We created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Ed Bortugno. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer Angela, Jeremiah, and family great comfort. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
Here are some old photos I took of Ed at my parents home in La Puente, CA. in late August, 1967, right after basic training. The other person in the photo is Robert Fields (in 5 photos), a friend of Ed's and mine from basic training. This was right... moreHere are some old photos I took of Ed at my parents home in La Puente, CA. in late August, 1967, right after basic training. The other person in the photo is Robert Fields (in 5 photos), a friend of Ed's and mine from basic training. This was right before we all went to Ft. Polk, LA. for advanced infantry training. We were all of 20 years old. The third person (in 3 photos) was a local friend of mine. Even then, you can't miss Ed's BIG smile!
Jim Redding less
I'm so sorry to hear about Ed. Ed and I were at basic training together at Fort Ord CA in June of 1967. Were were both in Company C, 2nd Platoon. I saw the picture in the memorial page of our platoon photo. We hated it, but Ed had a great sense of... moreI'm so sorry to hear about Ed. Ed and I were at basic training together at Fort Ord CA in June of 1967. Were were both in Company C, 2nd Platoon. I saw the picture in the memorial page of our platoon photo. We hated it, but Ed had a great sense of humor and made it bearable. We both got sent to Fort Polk LA in August of that year for infantry training. Following that, we both got sent to Vietnam. Ed and I got together to talk about our experiences in late 1969. He had gotten a leg injury in Vietnam, but he still had that fun loving sense of humor. That was the last time I saw Ed. He was a great guy and I'm lucky to have known him, if only for a short time.
Jim Redding less
I’m a coworker of Ed’s at Cal OES. I have many fond memories of Ed at work, but of course his smile shines through them all. As you all know and has been attested too here, Ed’s warmth defined him, in spite of him being a Dodger’s fan and I a... moreI’m a coworker of Ed’s at Cal OES. I have many fond memories of Ed at work, but of course his smile shines through them all. As you all know and has been attested too here, Ed’s warmth defined him, in spite of him being a Dodger’s fan and I a Giant’s fan. Ed’s intelligence made him a great conversationalist on any subject.
When it came to landslides, Ed was the authority in our office. We relied on his learned opinions to help us understand the complex nature of earth movements.
My first thought on hearing of Ed’s passing was the unfairness of it. Ed had such a rich life and had so much to live for. We have all lost some one we loved and cherished. We can’t bring Ed back, but we can be thankful for having known him. less
So sorry to hear about Ed. We worked at the California Geological Survey together (then called CDMG) on planning for earthquake disasters. He always had a smile for everyone and was a pleasure to be around. He was the best!
Glenn
I will remember Ed as the geologist who made my writing on the appellations of Napa Valley so much richer and informative. Both of you were so enthusiastic and passionate about how the geology and soils influence grape quality and wine... moreDear Angela,
I will remember Ed as the geologist who made my writing on the appellations of Napa Valley so much richer and informative. Both of you were so enthusiastic and passionate about how the geology and soils influence grape quality and wine complexity; I learned so much from both of you.
I loved how you beamed when you talked about your travels with Ed, especially anything that involved opera or delicious wines and foods. There was no doubt in my mind that you had a very special marriage.
Listening to the speakers at Ed’s service, I not only learned how respected and admired he was as a geologist, but also as longtime friend. We especially appreciated Donald Carter’s talk on Ed’s and his mutual love of baseball throughout their lives. The deeply felt sadness of the day was lightened a bit with his memories of you sending both Donald and Ed to the Dodger’s training camp. Ed’s big smile, boyish energy and sense of humor permeated his stories.
Angela, our hearts go out to you and your family. Know that we are here for you and please don’t hesitate to reach out. Ed will always be with you in spirit and in your heart.
I first met Ed in early 1990’s when we both worked for State OES. He was our Geologist for a major earthquake project and I was as field coordinator and trainer for the coastal region. Ed was a patient teacher, helping us understand the mechanics and... moreI first met Ed in early 1990’s when we both worked for State OES. He was our Geologist for a major earthquake project and I was as field coordinator and trainer for the coastal region. Ed was a patient teacher, helping us understand the mechanics and factors contributing to the earthquake threat facing the bay area, and was instrumental to us in working with local governments to prepare.
When we merged offices Ed was thrown into fire, flood civil unrest as well as earthquakes, working tirelessly in the EOC throughout the turbulent 90s, his expertise, calmness and especially sense of humor made him an extremely valued team member, friend and colleague.
When I became Napa County’s emergency Manager in 1999, we face a damaging earthquake early in my tenure. We knew we were badly hurt, but the magnitude of the quake seemed not to justify our damage reports. Ed worked with all the geological factors in play, using what was then new predictive software and was in instrumental in us making our case to the State and Federal Government. His help resulted in 5500 families in need getting state and federal assistance to recover and rebuild after the Quake. Ed was selfless in sharing knowledge, had the rare ability to make the complex understandable, and was an exquisite professional and friend!
Neal O’Haire, Napa California less
Such sad news. My deepest sympathies to Ed's family. Ed was part of my family for a chapter of his life and of mine. He was my partner in pool tournaments which he talked me into being part of and it turned out I was pretty good. He signed us up and... moreSuch sad news. My deepest sympathies to Ed's family. Ed was part of my family for a chapter of his life and of mine. He was my partner in pool tournaments which he talked me into being part of and it turned out I was pretty good. He signed us up and didn't say that his partner was a girl. Ed loved to joke around which was one of the dearest things about him. I kept a photo of him in my pocket the whole time he was in Viet Nam and when he came home injured I was devastated. I was proud of him when he didn't want to cut his hair for a photo after the war celebrating him as a hero. he will be forever in our hearts~ less
So many things to say about Ed, our friendship, all that he's meant to my family and me. I recently thought of the my 10 favorite Ed stories and realize that I couldn't share 8 of them. The beauty of Ed is that I will always cherish those 8 memories and... moreSo many things to say about Ed, our friendship, all that he's meant to my family and me. I recently thought of the my 10 favorite Ed stories and realize that I couldn't share 8 of them. The beauty of Ed is that I will always cherish those 8 memories and not only smile but laugh at loud. I will always remember his devotion to Angela and his true love for his family and friends and I will miss our trips, meals and discussions about our beloved Dodgers. Every time I eat a freshly baked pizza, sit down to a fine meal, enjoy a play, hit an errant golf shot and drink a Johnnie Walker I will this of ED. Of course nothing less than a Dodger World Championship is in order for 2020. Make it happen Ed.
Ed was a classic. He was unique in all aspects of our encounters. One of the traits that we liked most about Ed was his sense of humor. He had the ability to laugh at himself (most of the time especially on the 19th hole) and have a keen insight into... moreEd was a classic. He was unique in all aspects of our encounters. One of the traits that we liked most about Ed was his sense of humor. He had the ability to laugh at himself (most of the time especially on the 19th hole) and have a keen insight into the understanding of the human condition. He was fun to be around. We really enjoyed his company and his love of life and his support of causes that helped those that couldn't help themselves. In this this time of sadness, we celebrate Ed's life and are grateful for the time we spent with him. less
When we moved to Napa 6 years ago, we were so fortunate to have Ed and Angela as our neighbors. We shared a love of wine, food and travel. Ed and his pizza oven were amazing.
Our decks were only separated by wire fencing that made it so easy to talk... moreWhen we moved to Napa 6 years ago, we were so fortunate to have Ed and Angela as our neighbors. We shared a love of wine, food and travel. Ed and his pizza oven were amazing.
Our decks were only separated by wire fencing that made it so easy to talk together. Ed would always be sitting in his chair looking at the mountains and the vineyard, and there was always a “hi”.
It’s so strange to look over there now and Ed’s not in his chair. We truly miss him. less
Ed Bortugno is my brother. He was a very generous, king and easy going man.
Ed was an excellent geologist & earthquake specialist for the state of Calif. When we were moving from So. Calif. we would call to ask his advice on where different areas... moreEd Bortugno is my brother. He was a very generous, king and easy going man.
Ed was an excellent geologist & earthquake specialist for the state of Calif. When we were moving from So. Calif. we would call to ask his advice on where different areas we thought to move to were safe from earthquakes, before we finally moved to the Sierra mountains near Yosemite Natl. park.
Ed loved wine & entertaining with his wife Angela. They both loved food & cooking together. Each year over Thanksgiving, Ed & Angela would gather up ingredients, wines & recipes, drive to southern Calif. to his mother Hella's in Lompoc. They would prepare an entire Turkey dinner for the family with a few of her personal local friends.
Together they often hosted pizza/dinner parties, cooking for family members or their many friends, in their professional pizza oven on the deck of their Napa home.
Ed enjoyed traveling journeys with his wife exploring other countries everywhere and learning even more of the world of wine.
He has left this world too soon. We will meet again, until then we will miss him.
Frank & Sharon Bortugno less
I know Ed was an ardent Dodgers fan and he knew of my devotion to the Giants, so this is difficult. I'm hoping that the damn Dodgers win the World Series this year for Ed as he roots for them from his skybox from above. He was a good man who will be missed.
I don't think I ever saw Ed frown. He was a gravitational guy, someone you naturally were drawn to because of his welcoming smile and easy conversation. I love the "red sweater" pic from one of our Cooks and Books holiday parties. Ed loved... moreI don't think I ever saw Ed frown. He was a gravitational guy, someone you naturally were drawn to because of his welcoming smile and easy conversation. I love the "red sweater" pic from one of our Cooks and Books holiday parties. Ed loved his home, his life and he loved Angela. That was so evident. What a loss. less
Ed was such a dear and loving soul. He radiated warmth and seemed to make everyone around him feel happy and at ease, whether by sharing a laugh or sharing one of the creations that came out of his beloved pizza oven. Ed looked for the humor in things,... moreEd was such a dear and loving soul. He radiated warmth and seemed to make everyone around him feel happy and at ease, whether by sharing a laugh or sharing one of the creations that came out of his beloved pizza oven. Ed looked for the humor in things, and was quick to smile, which always had me smiling too. Less obvious, but no less precious, was his sincere care for the safety and welfare of others. We will miss you. less
What fun to look at all the photos shared and imagine the long and wonderful life that Ed and Angela shared together!!!! Ed was a devoted husband and a lover of life from the earth (geology) to the pleasures it provided (aka wine). He had a peacefulness... moreWhat fun to look at all the photos shared and imagine the long and wonderful life that Ed and Angela shared together!!!! Ed was a devoted husband and a lover of life from the earth (geology) to the pleasures it provided (aka wine). He had a peacefulness to him, a gentleness which made him much a pleasure to be around. I didnt know about his heroism until now and I find myself in awe of his courage — which he applied to his struggles with his health in recent years. It will be hard for Angela to rebuild her life without her beloved Ed to share her days. His shoes will not be filled by any mere mortal. But his memory and spirit will remain like a warm blanket of comfort to us all! less
Uncle Eddie was an amazing light. He always seemed to bring people in and make you feel comfortable. I was 8 or 9 when I first met him and he was the coolest. So smart....always had the most interesting conversations. I was a weird kid and always wanted... moreUncle Eddie was an amazing light. He always seemed to bring people in and make you feel comfortable. I was 8 or 9 when I first met him and he was the coolest. So smart....always had the most interesting conversations. I was a weird kid and always wanted to be around adults. He always included me and let me stick around. I wish I would of been able to spend more time with him. Aunt Angela and Jeremiah we love you and pray that you comforted by the wonderful life uncle Eddie lived. You both made his heart smile. ❤️🙏🏽 less
I always enjoyed being around Ed because he was quick with a smile and laugh. Ed and Angela emanated positive energy every time I saw them. I was blessed to grow up around the EBFL fantasy football league and then briefly serve as a team owner and see... moreI always enjoyed being around Ed because he was quick with a smile and laugh. Ed and Angela emanated positive energy every time I saw them. I was blessed to grow up around the EBFL fantasy football league and then briefly serve as a team owner and see Ed, Angela, and others at Donald and Nina's on New Year's Eve dinners or Academy Award parties or other social functions. I particularly admired the relationship that Ed and Angela shared: their love for one another was so obvious. Angela, Jeremiah, and all who loved Ed, I am sending you my condolences, love, and prayers. less
Ed and I spent our time together over the last 20 years or so on the golf course, attending various fantasy football events, enjoying gatherings in his back yard and celebrating New Year's Eve with friends. It was only two years ago that we decided to... moreEd and I spent our time together over the last 20 years or so on the golf course, attending various fantasy football events, enjoying gatherings in his back yard and celebrating New Year's Eve with friends. It was only two years ago that we decided to get together for a monthly lunch alternating between Napa and Oakland. Ed managed to arrive at the restaurant well ahead of me which I only know because he was always half way into his first glass of wine by the time I got there - and I'm always on time. Our conversations were wide-sweeping but mostly dealt with the vagaries of aging; talking over our loves and our regrets, our family histories, our accomplishments and our failures, our various physical ailments (which were many) and our hopes and dreams for a long and fulfilling remainder to our lives. Of course, our lunches came to a screeching halt with the pandemic.
We had only just scratched the surface. Now I will add to my regrets that Ed and I didn't start our lunches many years ago. I will miss Ed's attention to my stories, his advice and counsel and his own willingness to open up about himself. I can think of no better testament to the qualities that make a good and true friend.
So many memories of great times with Ed and Angela. Doug and I just loved being around him. He was warm, open, easygoing, unpretentious and interested in everything from baseball and golf to bread baking, vegetable gardening, opera, wine and theater. I... moreSo many memories of great times with Ed and Angela. Doug and I just loved being around him. He was warm, open, easygoing, unpretentious and interested in everything from baseball and golf to bread baking, vegetable gardening, opera, wine and theater. I remember learning from Ed what fantasy football was, and later learning that his fantasy football team had won the Toilet Bowl--as in, last place. I think he enjoyed coming in last as much as he would have placing first because he got to tell that story. What a wonderful partner he was for Angela--supporting everything she did. They were a pleasure to be around because they so clearly treasured each other. Doug and I will miss him terribly. less
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