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WARREN -- Edward Michael Antonelli, 81, passed away peacefully Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020,s at the Cleveland Clinic, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family during his last hours.
Ed was born July 1, 1938, in Warren, to Carl and Rose Antonelli.
Ed was well known in the Valley for his many golf accomplishments. He was a four-time winner in the Greatest Golfer of The Valley Tournament, Super Senior Division in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014 and finished second in 2013. He inherited his passion for the game from his father, Carl, who taught him to respect the game and to always play by the rules. His knowledge of the game advanced during many years of caddying at the Trumbull Country Club.
Ed was a graduate of St. Mary's High School (JFK) and starred for the golf team. He also attended Youngstown College (YSU) and was a member of their golf team in the early 1960s.
While serving in the U.S. Army in Germany, he was a member of the 24th Infantry Division Golf Team that won the All-American-European Championship in 1964. Along with professional golfer and dear friend Dick Schwartz, he ran numerous golf tournaments at prestigious courses while stationed in Germany.
Upon his return to the U.S, he worked as an assistant pro at Trumbull Country Club for two years under Irv Kleinedler and also as assistant pro at Youngstown Country Club for two years under Ed Griffith. Ed attended the Professional Golf Association Business School in Florida and earned his PGA membership. Later he was elected second vice president at the Cleveland Chapter of the PGA of America. In 1965, he became head PGA golf pro at the Grandview Golf Club in Middlefield, where he worked several years.
One of Ed's most proud accomplishments was a sixth-place finish in the 42nd Ohio Open in 1968 at the Green Country Club in Fairborn. Ed also was chosen with 13 greater-Cleveland area golf professionals to record golf instructional videos for Channel 3 in Cleveland.
After his career in professional golf, Ed was employed at Packard Electric, from where he retired in 1996 after 27 years of service. While employed at Packard, Ed won the 8th annual Packard Electric Golf Tournament and played in various local leagues. In 1987, he represented Ohio in the State Team Champion American Cancer Society Tournament at the Doral Country Club in Florida, with Ray Sanfrey, Dale Johnson and John Mrus.
He was a member of Old Avalon Golf Course and then Avalon Lakes Golf Course for almost 30 years. Ed was a perennial star in the prestigious Penn / Ohio Golf League. Ed was a member of the Cleveland Heights Golf Course in Lakeland, Fla. for over 15 years and was club champion in 2005, 2007 and 2009. There he was a member of the Men's Association Wednesday group and the Veggies Group on Monday and Friday.
Ed was also a part owner of the Troy Hill Golf Center with his longtime friend and pro, Leo Zampedro, and LPGA professional, Barb Mucha, with Joe Allen as assistant pro at this time.
Some of Ed's fondest golf memories include playing St. Andrews Golf Course in Scotland and other top world courses with his closet golfing "buddies," Angus Macaulay, Chet Wadja, Jim Sladovic, Larry Longberry and Dick Barto, and his two hole-in-ones.
Ed passed on his love for the game by donating his time to the YMCA in Warren, where he gave golf lessons to beginners. He was a Junior Achievement adviser while at Packard. Ed also participated in the Youngstown Golden Gloves while attending college and was an altar boy at St. Mary's Church in Warren while in grade school.
Ed is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Gary) Timko of Chesapeake, Va.; a son-in-law, Dan Helbig of Dublin; two stepsons, Joey Allen of Warren and George (Sandy) Allen of Champion; three grandchildren, Alexandria (Jesse) Bailey of Georgia, and Cole and Lauren Helbig of Dublin; a brother, Carl (Gladys) Antonelli of Champion; and a sister, Laura (Fred) Epp of Columbiana. In addition, Ed is survived by two great-grandchildren, Tristen and Olivia Bailey; three step-grandchildren, Joseph Jr., and Craig and Brittany Allen; four step-great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Brayden, Lucas and Jacob Allen; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 34 years, Evelyn "Evie" Perotta Antonelli; most recently, his daughter, Michele Antonelli Helbig; and a brother, Michael Antonelli.
Per Ed's wishes, there will be no calling hours or services. A private burial has taken place in All Souls Cemetery in Bazetta.
Arrangements were handled through Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel in Warren.
Donations can be made to the Warren JFK Golf Program at 2550 Central Parkway Ave. SE Warren, OH 44484, in Ed's honor.
Family and friends may visit
www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to view this obituary, sign the guestbook and send condolences to Ed's family.
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