Obituary of Edward Paul Fava

Edward Paul Fava died peacefully surrounded by family on November 21, 2016, at his home in Greenwood Lake. Born on July 22, 1957 in Mount Vernon, NY, he was the son of Edward G. Fava and the late Mary (Marciano) Fava. Edward moved with his family to Greenwood Lake in 1960 and began a love for learning at Greenwood Lake Elementary School before going on to graduate in three years from Monroe-Woodbury High School in 1974 and from Fordham University in The Bronx in 1979. Encouraged by a 3rd grade teacher to live in a Spanish speaking country at a young age, Edward convinced his parents to permit him to travel on his own and live in Spain for a summer when he was 13. This life changing adventure sparked his everlasting passion for languages, culture and all cuisines. He would act on those passions later in life when he learned 5 languages, lived abroad in Spain, France and Italy and became a renowned chef and caterer. Edward spent the early part of his career working as a buyer for Bloomingdale's in Manhattan, which helped him develop a sense of style that became the hallmark in both his personal and professional life. He later taught Spanish part time at Our Lady Queen of Peace School in Hewitt, NJ, while also successfully launching his own interior design firm as well as a catering business. The Catering House of Edward Fava became Edward's life's work and passion. His warm smile, playful sense of humor, keen eye for design and incredible culinary talent became a fixture at celebrations throughout the tri-state area for 35 years. He used his many skills and positive personality to make the world around him always seem like a joyful event was in progress with everyday meals often becoming grand feasts – complete with coordinated color schemes and elaborate table settings. A family man with a larger than life heart, "Unc", as he was endearingly called, showered his niece and nephews for decades with love, guidance and encouragement. He ensured that they all were exposed to a yearly dose of Broadway Theatre and car rides accompanied by Spanish music radio. He was also a devout parishioner of Our Lady Queen of Peace in Hewitt, NJ, and proudly served as a member of the choir and played the piano. Edward is survived by his loving family – father Edward G. Fava of Montrose, NY; sister Albina Fava Hannigan and brother-in-law Patrick Hannigan of Tuxedo, NY. He also is survived by niece Mary Fava-Marsh and her husband, David Marsh, of Greenwood Lake; and nephews Anthony Fava and his wife, Stephanie, of Greenland, NH; Judson Hannigan of Beijing, China; and Edward Hannigan and his wife, Kerry, of Stamford, CT; and six great-nephews and -nieces. Edward was predeceased by his mother, Mary, in October, 2016 and his brother, Anthony, in 1991. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Hewitt, NJ on Wednesday, November 30 at 11 a.m. with burial to follow in the Warwick Cemetery next to his mother and brother. Memorial contributions in honor of Edward Fava may be made to the American Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.org/donate/, or to The National Kidney Foundation, www.kidney.org/donation. Care for the Fava family has been entrusted to the Strong-Basile Funeral Home in Greenwood Lake.