Edward C. Cardenas

Edward Carlos Cardenas passed away peacefully at home on January 9, 2026, at the age of 73, with his wife of 25 years, Mary, by his side, and his beloved dog Miles III.

Ed was born on October 30, 1952, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Daniel and Elsie Cardenas (Nagy). He was the youngest of four children, alongside his siblings Susie, Daniel, and Andrew. He grew up in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood and attended West Tech High School, where he formed many friendships that he cherished and maintained throughout his life – especially with his best friend, Gary, better known to Big Ed as his “KGB (Kindergarten Buddy)”.

Ed was drafted into the Army and served a brief time before beginning his professional career. He worked with J&L Steel and later joined Yellow Freight, where he worked for 30 years until his retirement.

Ed’s greatest joy was his son, Edward Ryan Cardenas, who was born in 1980. He later met the love of his life, Mary, and the two were married on July 10, 2000. Together, they shared a blended family. Ed was a devoted father to his son, “Little Ed,” and a loving presence in the lives of his stepchildren, Jessica and Keith. They built a life filled with love, laughter, and time spent with family and friends, rarely going anywhere without their beloved dogs – Miles I, II, and III, by their side, enjoying vacations at Treasure Island in Florida, Mohican State Park adventures, and days at the lake. Carrying on his father’s love for gardening, Ed nurtured his plants and garden with care and pride. He also enjoyed family trips to South Texas and South Padre Island, places that held deep family roots and countless happy memories.

In his final days, Ed embraced God and found peace in knowing he was welcomed into paradise.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; his son, Edward, and daughter-in-law, Katrina; his stepchildren, Jessica and Keith; and his grandchildren, whose lives he touched—Mike, Jocelyn, Jose, Jeffie, Gavin, Allyssa – and great-grandson, Tino; his brother, Dan; his sister, Susie; and a large extended family and friends who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Elsie; his brother, Andrew; his aunt, Sara; and many family members and friends who welcomed him home.

Family and friends are welcome on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 5 p.m. until time of Service at 6:30 p.m., at Slone & Co. Funeral Directors 13115 Lorain Ave. Cleveland, OH 44111.