Edmund M. Ciavaglia

Edmund M. Ciavaglia, 87, passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, in Texas City, Texas.   Edmund was born August 16, 1936, in Providence, Rhode Island, to Mario and Benedetta (Bea) Ciavaglia.  In 1946, his father Mario (Mr. Mac) moved the family to Texas City.  The Ciavaglia family was among those who survived the Texas City Disaster, helping rebuild the community in the wake of that fateful day.   Along with a group of church volunteers, Edmund and his brother Gilbert even helped their father Mario repair the damage sustained at St. Mary’s Catholic Church during the explosion. 

Edmund graduated from Texas City High School in 1955 and promptly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.  Like all Marines, his time on active duty was a source of immense pride for Edmund.  

After an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps and working briefly for Community Public Service in La Marque, Edmund went into business operating Ciavaglia’s Gulf Service Station under the big water tower on 9^th Avenue in Texas City.  

In 1966, Edmund and Chuck McQuaig opened United Home & Auto, selling tires, appliances, televisions, and offering auto service to the community for decades.   After Chuck’s untimely passing, Edmund operated United Home & Auto until his retirement in 1996.  Known by many as “The Godfather”, Edmund was a mentor-coach-Drill Sargent to the many who worked for him through the years.   There are countless men who fondly remember the laughs you had, the butt-chewings you received, and the lessons you learned as a part of the crew at “UHA”.

Almost a lifelong member of St. Mary of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church, Edmund also served his community through the Texas City Jaycees, the Texas City Noon Optimist Club, and the Men’s Club at St. Mary’s.  Along with other Marines, Edmund continued to serve ‘The Corps’ through the Galveston Detachment of the Marine Corps League, providing support for active duty, reservist, and veteran Marines and their families for years.

In 1958, Edmund married Arline McGrew who passed away in 1983.  From this marriage, his son Mark and his daughter Andrea were born.  Edmund later married the former Carroll Wilcox, and they remained married until Carroll’s passing in 2003.

Edmund was predeceased by his parents, Mario and Bea Ciavaglia; his brother Gilbert Ciavaglia; both his wives, Arline and Carroll; and his daughter, Andrea Kaiser.

Edmund is survived by Mark Ciavaglia (Sharon), Carrie Mays, Melissa Bishop, Mark Myrick (Trina), Cindy Jones, son-in-law Ken Kaiser, his grandchildren, relatives and friends.

Pallbearers include Conner Brown, Lane Ciavaglia, Jake Jones, Nicholas Jones, Corey Kaiser, Ken Kaiser, and David Welch.

The family will receive visitors from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Emken Linton Funeral Home, with a vigil service to follow.  A Celebration of Mass will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church in Texas City.  Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Dickinson.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Mary of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church GIVING | St. Mary of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church | Texas City, TX (stmarycctc.org) or Our Lady of Fatima School Online Giving | Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School | Texas City, Texas (fatimatc.org)  would be a fitting gesture.

Semper fidelis, Pops.