Edwin Colon

Edwin “Ed” Colón, 72, of Winter Garden, Florida, passed away on August 31, 2025.

Born July 19, 1953, in Juan Diaz, Puerto Rico, Ed lived a life filled with family, friendship, and community. He grew up in Ohio before settling in Indiana, where he spent nearly four decades, and moved to Winter Garden in 2013.

Ed was a 1972 graduate of Lincoln West High School in Cleveland, Ohio, and in 1975 he completed his Apprenticeship and Training through the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America. A Master Carpenter by trade, he retired from the corporate world in 2009 but never put down his tools. Ed continued to create, build, repair, and restore for family, friends, and neighbors throughout his life.

Sports were a lifelong passion. He played baseball, basketball, and softball, competed in racquetball tournaments, and more recently enjoyed pickleball with his grandchildren. He was also an avid fisherman, golfer, and pool player, and he loved hosting cornhole tournaments, including crafting more than 50 custom cornhole boards over the years for loved ones and charity. Game nights with his daughter and grandchildren, filled with cards and laughter, were among his greatest joys.

Community was at the heart of Ed’s life. He was an active member and leader of both the Florida Winter Garden Elks Lodge #2165 and the Indiana Washington Township Moose Lodge #2138. His dedication earned him numerous honors, including Moose of the Year (2012), Elk of the Year (2016), and the prestigious Moose Fellowship Degree of Honor. From organizing tournaments and cook-offs to leading major lodge improvements, Ed devoted countless hours to strengthening fellowship and service. His leadership culminated in serving as Exalted Ruler of Elks Lodge #2165 from 2021 to 2023, a role he fulfilled with passion and heart.

Ed is survived by his loving mother Maria Rivera; his daughter Christina Colón, son-in-law Brannon Ricketts, and grandchildren Maria, Ruby, and Ryder Ricketts; his brother Robert (Shirley) Colón; his sister Nancy (Charles) Stafford; beloved nieces and nephews: Robert Colón, Amalio Colón, Melanie Santiago Odums, Izzy Santiago Jr., Tanya Rodriguez, Chastity “Olivia” Passafiume, Melissa Stafford, and Chuckie Stafford; and many great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Amalio Colón, and his sister Maria “Mary” Santiago.

A celebration of Ed’s life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 4–8 p.m. at Elks Lodge #2165 in Winter Garden, Florida. A buffet dinner will be served as family and friends gather to share memories, love, and laughter. Ed will be cremated, and his ashes will be spread at his favorite fishing spots, golf courses, and sports stadiums.

Donations in his honor may be made to the Florida Elks Youth Camp.

Ed will forever be remembered for his love of family, his passion for sports and community, and his dedication to creating, building, repairing, and restoring. His strength, joy, and generosity touched all who knew him, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14