Edward Paul Shamshoian, 68, passed away at home on Tuesday, September 12, 2023.

Ed was born in Racine on August 8, 1955, to the late Edward and Varteni Rose (Kashian) Shamshoian. Grandson of the late Arakel and Osanna (Donabedian) Shamshoian, Toros and Areknaz (Mihranian) Kashian who were survivors of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 and rebuilt their lives in a new land for the love of family and life.

Ed is survived by his sisters, Mary (Mark) Olson, Susan (Edward) Kargenian, Holly (Zohrab) Khaligian; his nieces and nephews Avedis Edward Kargenian, Nadalia Rose Kargenian (Joseph Charles), Areknaz (Kevo) Kelougian, Arakel Mesrob Khaligian, Azniv Rose Khaligian, Alidz Asdghig Khaligian; God children, many relatives and friends.

Eddie was in many ways bigger than life, a trend setter before it became a "term" from hair/beard styles, to cut offs (shirts/shorts, everything!). Most importantly, he lived to share and connect deeply with people, building strong relationships, while continually threading those relationships together and creating  many stories that will live forever in the lives he was able to touch. Ed showed us how to live, love and take the final journey to the promised land.

Ed was given the gift of life for a kidney transplant from his sister Sue in 2004. Ed did not take this gift lightly, doing everything possible to keep his new kidney strong while enjoying  and appreciating every new day and year it gave him. He understood that the simple things in life are actually the most fulfilling; a beautiful summer day, cutting the grass, planting and sharing his garden, grilling ribeye steaks for family gatherings, watching sports, sharing a beer, eating his Mom's good food, enjoying her sense of humor and loving company. Uncle Eddie was a giant in helping raise his 6 nieces and nephews, celebrating them, showing them how to love and be loved.

He grew up in Racine, WI, graduated from William Horlick High School, and continued education at UW Parkside. He was a skilled machinist and eventually retired from SC Johnson.  However, some of his best stories are from working at KFC on Douglas Ave as a teen in the 70's! Ed enjoyed adventures in Mexico, good times in Las Vegas, Austria, and Armenia.   Ed cherished and dedicated his first years of retirement to taking care of his beloved mom, Rose, at home.  He was a member of St. Hagop Armenian Apostolic Church, and the Armenian Relief Society Eastern USA Century Club.

In lieu of flowers Ed chose the Froedert Hospital Foundation to support the Cancer Center. With deep appreciation for: Dr. Shah, Jenna, Tina, Tabetha, Nina, Veronica, many nurses, and staff. When bi-weekly trips to Froedert became the new normal, his team gave him a reason to smile and keep fighting. Ed was a warrior throughout. www.froedert.com/giving/foundation/make-a-gift

Funeral services for Ed will be held at St. Hagop Armenian Apostolic Church, 4100 N. Newman Road, Racine WI on Friday, September 22, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.  Interment at Graceland Cemetery and celebration of Eddie's life to follow at The Branch, 1501 Washington Ave., Racine, WI 53403. Relatives and friends are also invited to meet with the family at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 5:00 p.m. until the time of prayer service at 7:00 pm.