Edwin F. Sese

In Loving Memory Sese, Edwin Ferdinand (1967-2023)

We grieve, much too soon, the passing of our beloved (and favorite), Edwin F. Sese (56), husband, dad, brother, kuya, tito, “Papa Ed” of Hilliard, Ohio (Jersey City, represent!) on December 26, 2023.

Edwin joins his father, Eugenio, mother, Remedios, and sister, Eileen in eternal life from where he lovingly watches over his wonderful bride, Gracielle, and their three greatest joys - Eric “Bud Bud”, Audrey “Dee Dee Boo” and Laura “Pickles”.

Blessed with a large family, Edwin is also survived by his brothers Alvin (Rose), Manny, Robert (Geraldine), and Eugene (Tessie); nephews and nieces April (Nate), Allen, Stephanie (Jesse), Andrew, Edward, Richard (Nicole), Mitchell (Kailey), Marghenello (Hailey), and Ashley; grand-nieces Temperance and Eloise; as well as many uncles, aunts and cousins.

What can we say about Edwin? How much time have you got? Edwin was multi-talented, skillful, curious, and quick-witted. He excelled at just about anything that took his interest, and his interests were wide and far-reaching. At age five, he could beat anyone at a matching game with his photographic memory. He took first place in the Hudson County Science Fair and he was the photo editor of his highschool yearbook. Not only was he athletic as he was a skilled bowler, but a naturally talented musician as well. He sang, played guitar, drums and bass. He was the best bassist for the D’Executive Band and even recorded with Carmen Pateña, a famous singer from the Philippines. He was also a self-proclaimed backup dancer for Madonna (though, no supporting evidence has been found). No wonder he kept such impeccable hair and a regimented skin routine as a young man! He was Mr. Cool!

In college, Edwin held leadership roles at the Rutgers University Filipino Student Association (FSA). In 1989, he served as Secretary & Public Relations Officer and was on the FSA Advisory Board as chairperson in 1990. Ever well-rounded, he also had multiple roles in the FSA newsletter, Scribble Pad, where he served as Associate Editor (1989), a contributing writer (1987-1990), Correspondent (1987-1990), Layout Editor (1988), and Editor-in-Chief (1990). It comes as no surprise that he made many lifelong friends there as well (you know who you are - to him, you are family).

To remember Edwin is to relive how he made you feel. While Edwin collected fridge magnets from his travels around the world (Spain, Finland, Germany, Japan and more), he, himself, was a magnet that drew in everyone around him. He was a master storyteller, and because he was an avid foodie, dinner with Edwin was a good time! If you were not losing five-thousand calories from laughing so hard as he delivered stories in the way only he could (bug-eyed facial expressions and all), then it must have been because you were scarfing down his famous and impeccably-presented sushi rolls, braised short ribs, garlic fried rice or chocolate chip pancakes. If Edwin was your dinner guest (you loved it when he and his family came over), then you knew his craziness for blue crabs, a great tomahawk steak, and his favorite dessert (the Filipino classic pineapple upside down cake). Everyone had a good time and a good laugh when Edwin was around - except maybe when you dialed Magnolia Avenue and got “Hello? Hello? Oh yeah! We’re not home right now. So, leeeave a messaaaage pleeease,” and he was NOT actually around!

Effortless goofing and laughing “on repeat” aside, we are grateful for how dedicated Edwin was as a devoted husband, doting father, loving son, fun brother, funny cousin, proud uncle and best friend (yes, he only had best friends). As a son, he loved his mother dearly, frequently visiting and driving her to Atlantic City. He even took her on a trip to Paris. As your fun uncle, he went to every spring show, soccer game, Christmas play, recital and graduation, and maybe you even bonded over Star Trek, The X-Files, ghost hunter shows, nature documentaries, Korean horror dramas, Mystery Science Theater 3000, and his general fascination with the unknown. Do you remember who the first Santa Claus was at Christmas parties? Yup, you guessed it. As a co-worker or boss, you never heard him raise his voice, but knew to stay away if he had a yo-yo in hand (he’s in the zone!). He may have even saved you from a chemical explosion. Remember the holey t-shirt he brought home (and no, Pickles, he did not cause it…probably)?

Later in life, when Edwin “the bachelor” settled down and found his one and only, Gracielle (oh, how ecstatic he was - thank you, Philippine Bread House!), they started a family of their own in 2005 and raised their three good looking and wonderfully talented “monkeys” of whom he could not be more proud - Eric (his favorite historian and political analyst), Audrey (his favorite dancer) and Laura (his favorite libero). He was always a true family man who would do anything for the people he loved. Spreading his roots from New Jersey, he moved his family to Hilliard, Ohio where, even there, he became known as “Papa Ed” to local families. He was a faithful Catholic and parishioner at St. Brendan Church where he could not help but sneak in photos of his kids as altar servers.

As a father, he made sure his family stayed connected with relatives and friends across the country, taking long drives back and forth (oh, how he loved his Jeep, too!). He was the greatest (most enthusiastic) cheerleader of all time for every one of his kids’ sports events. Edwin’s creativity knew no bounds. Having excellent sewing skills, he handmade Halloween costumes for the kids. He even ignited Eric’s interest in history after hearing about his dad serving as an extra spicy Lieutenant for General Tso’s Army. And who could forget his legendary karaoke trophy molded straight from his hand (and pinky) which became tradition at family gatherings? His children praised him for his great driving skills — he brought his New Jersey road rage to the Midwest! He was also a handyman who could fix anything at home (right, Tita Grace?…right?).

Who was Edwin in your life? In whatever way you recount it, we bet there is a bittersweet smile there and the list goes on for miles and miles.

Edwin, we love you so much! We miss you sorely! We remember you dearly and clutch our cherished memories of you close to our heavy, swollen hearts. Thank you, for sharing your life, light and love with us. Thank you for everything of yourself you shared with us. Rest peacefully in God’s hands and do the twist, pain free, with Lola Remy, Lolo Gene and Tita Eileen in Paradise.

See you later, alligator!

Family will receive friends 5:00p.m.-9:00p.m. THURSDAY at the TIDD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 5265 Norwich Street, Hilliard, OH 43026 (614)-876-1722.  A Prayer Vigil will begin at 8:00p.m. followed by Eulogies.  The Novena will be prayed immediately after the Prayer Vigil.  All are welcome to attend.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30a.m. FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2024 at ST. BRENDAN THE NAVIGATOR CATHOLIC CHURCH, 4475 Dublin Road, Hilliard, OH 43026 with Father Jacob Stinnett, Celebrant.  Burial will follow the Mass at Resurrection Cemetery, Lewis Center, OH 43035.  

The family invites anyone who wishes, to write a letter to Edwin expressing your sentiments. Please bring your letter to the funeral home so it may be placed in the casket with him.

Please visit www.tiddfuneralservice.com to share your favorite memories and to send your condolences to the Sese Family.