Edward Lawrence Ristaino

Mr. Edward Lawrence Ristaino, 63, of Cornelius, NC died Friday March 16, 2012 as the result of a hot air balloon accident in Ben Hill County, Georgia. Born December 6, 1949 in Monmouth County, New Jersey he was a son of the late John Patsy Ristaino and Marie Parisi Ristaino. Mr. Ristaino obtained a degree in biology from NC State University where he was a nationally ranked swimmer. He was employed in the cardiology research lab at Duke Hospital and a perfusionist at CMC Northeast in Concord where he helped start and develop the cardiac surgery program. He was a hot air balloon enthusiast, enjoyed sky diving, snow skiing and was known as McGyver "Nothing he couldn't fix and wouldn't give up until it was done". Funeral Services will be conducted 3:00 p.m. Sunday March 25 in the Chapel of Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home with Rev. Kristie Darling officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. prior to the service. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 23 years, Ruth; sons, Damien Ristaino of Charlotte and John Dominic "Nick" Ristaino of Naples FL; brothers, John Ristaino and wife, Bernadette of Borne, TX and Dominic Ristaino and wife Pam of Charlotte; sister, Evelyn Ristaino of Charlotte; two grandchildren, three nephews and two nieces. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to The People of Ben Hill County Georgia, % the Ed Ristaino Memorial Fund, Colony Bank of Fitzgerald, P.O. Box 1029, Fitzgerald GA 31750, whose hard work and caring during the search will forever be appreciated. Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 16901 Old Statesville Road Huntersville, NC is assisting the family. Friends may offer condolences to the family at www.raymerfh.com