Eddie’s mother probably had a difficult time birth when he was delivered. I believe he probably came out with a tool belt around his hips. Eddie was friends with my older siblings and I would often see him around Perth Amboy. About a year ago, when I was looking for an apartment, I saw a phone number in the local paper that listed apartments in the neighborhood I was looking to move into.

Eddie met me at the apartment, showed me around, but it wasn’t quite what I was looking for.

Hy Tavern on High and Commerce Streets was one of the favorite places that Eddie liked to hang out. Most of the time when he was at the tavern, I saw him with his measuring tape out. Sometimes he would be making a slight renovation inside the place.

It was also a drop for our paper. One day Eddie happened to be at the tavern when I walked in and he asked if I had found an apartment yet. I told him no and then he mentioned that one of the tenants in his son’s building was moving out and the apartment may be perfect for me.

When he opened the door, I was not sure if it was exactly what I wanted since I was currently in a larger space.

But then, he said those magic words that every girl wants to hear (at least this girl). Those words were, “And you have your own washer and dryer,” which was behind door number 3. That sealed the deal!

After talking to Eddie’s son, the apartment was mine.

Eronson (Eddie) and his wife, Inocencia (Ino). *Photo submitted

The first time I went to drop off the rent check to Eddie and Ino’s place, she gave me a tour of their house. (which by the way is gorgeous) Ino told me that they had lived in Metuchen but Eddie always wanted to go back to Perth Amboy but she hesitated. Finally, he told her about this wonderful place that he had found in Amboy. She caved in and went to see it, but gave him an ultimatum. She told him that he would have to renovate the place to her specifications. When she pointed out all the work that he had done, I was in awe.

I asked her if he took before and after pictures. She told me, “No.”

I told her from now on, whenever he did a major renovation like he did on their house, he should always show the magnificent work he’s done.

Eddie and his wife, loved attending the pig roast at Hy Tavern. Some of those toasts benefited those suffering from cancer.

During the pig roast Eddie would be in the backyard of the tavern playing cards. Ino would be on the porch having an enjoyable conversation with those in attendance.

Another favorite place of the Febles was the Barge Restaurant. When Hurricane Sandy hit, Eddie and others came to Alex’s and Nick’s rescue. The Barge was not just a restaurant to Eddie but like Hy Tavern, it was also his home.

When your home suffers damage, you want to get it up and running as quickly as possible. It is also a testament to Alex Vosinas and his employees of the friendship they have formed with their loyal customers.

During the renovation process of the Barge, you would see Eddie with his tools and measuring tape working with other volunteers.

Eddie loved his family and would often visit his mother in Puerto Rico.

Eddie and I would often tease each other. I remember one time when he came to my apartment to fix something. As he was finishing up, he called out to me, “Now don’t bother me for a year!” I told him, “Oh, good that means I won’t have to pay my rent for a year!” Because I would always call him to either pickup my rent check or when I was going to drop it off to him.

They say when you go to heaven, you finally get to rest. But I think God has other plans for him. He probably got one day off, then God said, “I have two projects for you: Eddie, I’m thinking about opening up two places. One would be a small, but quaint place where people can gather and have a refreshing drink. Perhaps we can call it the “Hyer Up Tavern.” or perhaps “Hy Tavern” for a nickname. I’m thinking about naming the second place which would also be quaint but on a larger scale and we can have the most delicious food imaginable. I’m thinking about calling it, “The Barge Inn,” or maybe just “The Barge” to shorten the name. So Eddie, I’m putting you in charge and I also have a special gift for you.”

Eddie saw in God’s outstretched hands this large box. Inside was Eddie’s tools that he used in his labor of love when fixing something in the Hy Tavern or when he helped getting the Barge back in business. God told Eddie, “These tools served you very well on Earth and I’m sure they will do an even better job up here.”

My love to Eddie’s immediate and extended family, RIP.

Carolyn Maxwell