Edward Leite, 90, of Aptos CA, passed away on Monday, August 10, 2026 at the Aegis Assisted Living of Aptos, where he lived since 2023.

Ed was born on March 3rd, 1936, in Taunton MA, to John and Mary (Dupont) Leite. He graduated from Southeastern Massachusetts University (SMU) with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and later received his MBA from Purdue University.

After graduating from SMU, he served in the United States Navy for four years as a First Lieutenant. For the majority of his life, he worked as an Engineering/Business Consultant specializing in project management and operational efficiency. This allowed him travel extensively to Saudi Arabia and other countries.

Ed had a love for music that went back to his early years in high school playing the accordion. While attending New Bedford High School, Ed, along with 16 other pupils from the DeRossi Piano Accordion School traveled to New York City, where they won First place in the American Accordion Association national competition. Ed also had a great love for playing the piano. As he and Jeanne traveled on cruises, he wouldn’t hesitate to jump on the piano in the lounge area to entertain the guests.

Besides his love for music, Ed was very successful investing in the stock market and enjoyed providing recommendations to family members.

After his service in the Navy, Ed spent his adult life living in the Santa Cruz, CA area. There he met the love of his life, Jeanne Packard at 48 years old. They married in 1984 and enjoyed traveling all over the world together, especially cruises. He was known for sending Christmas cards with his travel adventures from the past year.

Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne Packard Leite, his brothers Richard D. Leite, John G. Leite, and nephews Glenn R. Leite and Derek T. Leite.

Ed is survived by his younger brother David C. Leite of Raleigh NC, Ann Leite (wife of Glenn Leite) of Fuquay Varina NC, his nephews Craig J. Leite and his wife, Sherry, of Charlotte NC, Kevin C. Leite and his wife, Jill, of Holly Springs NC, and Shawn S. Leite and his wife, Tara, of Venice Fl, Melissa Z. Leite (wife of John Reitwiesner, widow of Derek T. Leite) of New York, NY, great nephews Kyle G. Leite and wife, Dianna, of Fort Mill SC, Ryan D. Leite and his wife Sydney of Land O Lakes FL, and Jake D. Leite of New York, NY, great nieces Kirsten Flanagan and husband, Thomas, of Fuquay Varina NC, and Kaily Schwartz and husband, Emery, of Port Charlotte FL, and grandson by marriage, Logan Andren and wife, Becky, of Aptos CA.

A memorial service for Edward's life will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 11am, at Renaissance Funeral Home, 7615 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Resurrection Church, PO Box 87, Aptos CA, 95001.