Edwin "The Polka Putter" Darmofal
December 3, 1948 – May 24, 2024

Edwin Darmofal, beloved husband, father, brother, and the undisputed king of one-liners, peacefully teed off for the last time on May 24, 2024. The fairways in heaven just gained a new hazard, and if there's a heavenly polka band, it's about to get a lot livelier.

Born on December 3, 1948, in New Britain, CT, Edwin was a natural-born entertainer. Even as a baby, his gurgles sounded suspiciously like polka rhythms, and he learned to polka shuffle before he could walk. Ed, or Eddie, as everyone knew him, developed his love for cars during these formative years. Ed would often stop by the local gas station on the way home from elementary school and hop into random cars, pretending to drive. Always a fast learner, by age six he discovered how car keys worked, much to the chagrin of the gas station attendants.

After graduating Pulaski High School in 1968, Ed paused his quest to be crowned Polka King of New Britain and traded his accordion for combat boots. Ed proudly served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1972 and rose to the rank of Sergeant. He always said the war taught him two things: how to appreciate a good laugh and how to make a bed so well you could bounce a quarter off it. His military service was marked by bravery, camaraderie, and a fair share of practical jokes that are still classified to this day.

In 1972, Edwin married Patricia May, a woman whose golf game was as bad as his, and whose cooking was the butt of many a good joke for 45 wonderful years. They settled in Liverpool, NY, where they raised four children. Ed took great pride in subjecting the kids to his not so melodious caterwauling every Sunday as he listened to his favorite Polka station. Ed spent as much time looking for his golf ball in the rough as he did turning his house into a home. It was said that to see Ed with power tools was to understand where Tim Allen later got his inspiration for Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor.

The Darmofal family moved to Jacksonville, FL, in 1993, seeking sunnier skies and more time for Ed to continue to miss the fairway. Ed enjoyed restoring classic cars with his son Joe, hoping to pass on his penchant for setting carburetors on fire, a talent that Joe excels at to this day. With his son Mark, woodworking was their shared passion. As fast as they could come up with an idea, code enforcement was there to condemn it. Ed had a love of softball he shared with his daughter Kristy. She was as proficient in the batter's box as he was on the tee.

Predeceased by his father Joseph Darmofal (1975), son Michael (1978), son Mark (2007), mother Helen Niedzwicki (2008), wife Patricia (2017), brother Tommy (2017), and sister Josephine Poland (2023), Edwin is undoubtedly organizing the most epic family reunion in the afterlife.

He leaves behind his son Joseph Darmofal (Meaghan) of Jacksonville, FL, daughter Kristy Darmofal of Callahan, FL, brother Richard Darmofal (Patty) of Venice, FL, sister Marcia Alfano of Venice, FL, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever cherish his memory and his gift for making every moment a bit brighter.

Edwin's parting wish is for everyone to live by his philosophy: "Life is a game—play it, a joke—laugh at it, and a car—drive it like you stole it." The family requests you tell a joke, share a laugh, and maybe even dance a little polka in his honor. Just be sure to keep an eye out for Edwin's spirit on the golf course—he's likely to be the one causing your ball to mysteriously slice.

For those who wish to make a donation in Edwin's name, please visit:
The American Legion (www.legion.org)
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) (www.vva.org)

Rest in peace, Edwin. May your drives always be long, your engines always roar, and your jokes always hit the mark. The world may be a little quieter without you, but your laughter will echo in our hearts forever.

A Mass Service for Edwin will be held on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church with Father Bui officiating. Interment will follow at Jacksonville National Cemetery.  Family will receive friends on Monday, June 3, 2024, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The arrangements are under the care and direction of Nassau Funeral Home, 541720 US-1, Callahan, Florida 32011, 904-879-1770. Visit www.nassaufh.com to sign the family's guest book.