Edward Plaia was born on September 7,1941 in a small town outside of Palermo, Sicily called Camporeale to American-born Jean Plaia and Italian-native, Peter Plaia. His town was full of donkeys and chickens, and he spent much of his time exploring with his grandfather, Nonno.

When he was 7 years old, the family immigrated to Brooklyn, New York. Ed began his American schooling speaking little or no English. In his teenage years, he took up guitar and soon became a young heart throb, playing paid gigs at local events with various bands, often with his younger brother Anthony, on saxophone. These fledgling bands even recorded several songs, that were played on the radio at the time and can still be found on Spotify.

It was one of these paid gigs in the Catskill's New York where young Ed met the love of his life, Mary, who was on holiday with her family. Ed spotted 18-year-old Mary in the crowd, wearing a red dress. He pointed to her while they sang the lyrics "see the girl with the red dress on" in the song "What I'd Say" by Ray Charles.

When a storm broke out, Ed found himself without a ride home to their shared borough of Brooklyn New York, and he subsequently rode home with his future in-laws.

After serving in the Navy, Ed and Mary were married on July 30,1966. With responsibilities nipping his heels, Ed got his BS in Mechanical Engineering, and his Master of Business Administration. He became Chief Engineer at both Eagle Electric and Leviton Manufacturing, where he rose to executive ranks, even taking him to El Paso to head up operations, and then back to NY again.

Ed was humble, selfless and a true family man. His most precious days were those spent with his beloved wife and family. His love of 50's music and playing the guitar, often with his daughter at his knee, became a lifelong passion. This love of music was passed down to his precious grandchildren.

His marriage to Mary lasted until death, over 58 years. They raised two daughters, Gina Plaia Fawcett (Jim), and Salina Plaia Bensman (Todd).

He was a devoted grandfather to Samantha Fawcett, Stephanie Fawcett, Abigail Bensman, James Fawcett and Jillian Bensman.

And although his brother and family reside in Australia, he was best friends with brother Anthony Plaia (Jana) and beloved uncle to his nieces Jesse and Kristin, and their families.