Mr. Edward "Fast Eddie" Willers Sr.

Edward Henry Willers, Sr., 78, died Monday morning, October 21, 2013 at Home Sweet Home Care Facility in Daly City, CA after a long battle with prostate cancer. He leaves his wife of 55 years, LaVerne A. (Toboni) Willers; his son, Edward Henry Willers Jr. and wife Patti (Nuno) Willers; his son Kenneth Joseph Willers and companion Barry Gremban; his daughter Deborah Rose (Willers) Blanchard and her husband Timothy Blanchard; his grandchildren Jennifer Leigh Willers, Benjamin Michael Willers and Michelle Rose Blanchard; his great granddaughter, Jada Leigh Machado; his brother William Willers; his in-laws, Antoinette Pauline, Rose Toboni Haar; Sheila and Robert Stratos, Lawrence and Georgina Toboni; Joseph and Mary Toboni; his nephews and nieces, William Jr., Ann Marie, Marc Anthony; Vera, Lawrence and John Paul, Michael, Gianna, Joseph, Paul and Jacqueline; his life-long childhood companion, John McNichols; his friends Frankie Lucchelli and Rich Mays; and all his friends at Dallas Restaurant and Nick’s of Rockaway, Pacifica. Born April 21, 1935, in San Francisco to Henry and Marie (Schirmer) Willers, Edward was a lifelong resident of San Francisco, CA. In his early years, Edward, spent most of his childhood under the care of doctors and nurses at San Francisco General Hospital. After breaking his leg at the age of four, Edward was admitted to SF General Hospital. While at the hospital it was discovered that Edward had contracted tuberculosis and as a result would remain at SF General for 10 years receiving a variety of treatments. At the age 14 Edward returned home and attended John O’Connell High School where he would learn the trade of shoe repair. On June 14, 1958 Edward married LaVerne A. (Toboni) Willers, his son Edward Jr. was born in 1959 and his twins, Kenneth and Deborah were born in 1961. During the late 1970’s Edward continued to work in the shoe repair business while also bartending in the evening at the Monte Carlo. Edward’s additional income went to pay for his children’s Catholic school tuition. Edward continued in the shoe repair business until 1997 when his granddaughter Michelle Rose Blanchard was born. Upon retirement, Edward, assisted in taking care of Michelle throughout elementary school and is lovingly referred to as ‘Papa.’ After retirement, Edward continued to tend bar at the Rink-a-Tink, The Doctors and the Granada on Mission Street and would be known by many of the patrons as Fast Eddie. Edward was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in 2011. Edward was selected to be part of a study by UCSF and assisted in testing new protocols to treat patients in advanced stages of prostate cancer. Edward had a passion for the SF 49ers and the SF Giants and would always be faithfully watching the games when his home teams were playing. Edward was an artist and painter and over the years filled his home with his own artwork. Edward loved music, especially the music of Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. Edward also loved Hot August Nights and would make his annual trip to Reno, NV to be part of the action. Thanks to all who cared for Edward: Dr. Kenneth S. Yamamoto, John Borland, Pathways Hospice and the care givers from Home Sweet Home in Daly City. Edward will be remembered for his smile and good humor with everyone. Edward’s life was true to the song sung famously by Frank Sinatra, Edward would he say, he lived his life “My Way.” Friends may visit after 4:00PM and are also invited to attend the Funeral Service at 7:00PM all on Thursday, October 24, 2013 at the Chapels of Valente Marini Perata and Co., 4840 Mission Street, SF, where services will conclude.

Mr. Edward "Fast Eddie" Willers Sr.

April 21, 1935 - October 21, 2013