Edward H Rackley, 81, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2023 in his beautiful home in Clark NJ among his adoring family and friends, and sister in law Sr. Kathleen Coll anointing him.

Edward was born on August 27, 1941 in his parents bedroom at 1042 Broadway in Bayonne, New Jersey. His first generation Napolitano mother, Anna Caputo, was a seamstress in a dress shop in Bayonne and in NYC. Her second husband, Walter Rackley, was the super for the building and a school janitor. Together they raised a humble family of 8 in a cold water flat in the bustling city. He attended Woodrow Wilson kindergarten at age 4, and guided by his sisters, responsibly helped the family to care for his three younger brothers, go to the laundromat, grocery store, and get coal with his little red wagon. When there was an extra nickel he would treat himself to a bag of potato chips and go to the movies. At 4 years old he fell through the ice in the Morris Canal and was saved by his sister's friend. He loved to draw and paint, and even in Woodrow Wilson kindergarten he stood out as the class architect with building blocks. He was always happy being out and about. He was a talented artist, singer, the best dancer and whistler. His big sisters put him in backyard

"little rascal" productions, gaining him a standing ovation was when he sang "Don't sit under the apple tree with anyone else but me". He made his First Holy Communion and was Confirmed at St. Vincents. He graduated from Bayonne High School and NY School of Interior Design. He was employed at Scott Kitchens from the age of 16, where he had to sketch kitchen remodels for owner and mentor Mickey Slootsky. He became a successful partner with his friend Mickey when the store moved across the bridge to Staten Island, changing the name to Island Kitchens Inc. He and his lovely wife Joan (nee Coll) raised 3 children, David Rackley, Denise Rackley-Guaimano, and Laura Benitez. He found time to be a top success in his business and took phenomenal care of his family and friends throughout his life.

His natural artistic talents were many. Some homes may still have painted murals, custom designed kitchens, interiors, signs and architectural facades such as the one he did for Hendricksons Restaurant and Burkes Restaurant on Broadway. He left his mark on many homes and in many hearts as a generous, loyal, honest, gregarious, fun, classy, suave, well dressed handsome man .

Sadly, he was predeceased by his son David in 2017 in a tragic road accident, but continued to enjoy life with his daughters and grandchildren, Edanna and Joanna Guaimano, Rylan, Lucas, and Jake Benitez, finding joy in all their milestones. He will be sadly missed by all, but especially his family, brothers Tommy & Gary Rackley, best friend Antonio Suevo of NYC and many dear friends. His positivity and warmth made everyone feel uniquely special and loved. He was liked by everyone.

We can't imagine a day without him. My sister Laura said, "How can someone so full of life be gone?". As for me, his eldest daughter Denise, I lost the wind beneath my wings, my hero, and my world. He will live on in our hearts forever.