Edward Allen Gaines

Edward Allen Gaines, 57

Edward Allen Gaines died Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the home he shared with his mother, in Lewes. He was 57.

Born in the Philadelphia area, Eddie moved to Milton in 1978, attended Milton schools, and graduated from Cape Henlopen High School in 1988. A standout athlete, he made his mark playing football and lacrosse, but he also skied and loved to snowboard. He played on the Blue-Gold All Star Football Team his senior year and earned the Sam Russell Jr. Memorial Trophy for Outstanding Contributions to the Cape Henlopen Vikings in 1987. Eddie eventually competed for the Dover Destroyers, a semi-pro football team in the mid-90s.

As a teenager, he enjoyed a brief stint as a breakdancer, performing around the beaches. He spent countless summers working for Lynam Beach Service and then many years working in New York City, where he bartended at the infamous Duplex and waited tables at Da Silvano, a legendary Italian restaurant, both in Greenwich Village. He relished telling stories of the celebrities and professional athletes he met there.

The only thing that rivaled his love of sports was sports trivia. Eddie could cite endless statistics and even surprised a few of the sports figures at Da Silvano with his recollections of their achievements.

Eddie was an all-around great guy whose enthusiasm for life -- delivered with bright blue eyes and a wide smile -- was contagious. Though he struggled with substance use, it never dimmed his compassion, kindness, humor and quick wit. He took care of others, from his mother to his neighbors to his lifelong friends.

He became a fixture in the Cape community, but Eddie Spaghetti from Narberth never lost his Philly ties, and he rooted faithfully for his home teams: the Flyers, the Sixers, the Phillies and his beloved Eagles. Go Birds!

Eddie is survived by his loving mother, Gerri Gaines, his sister Debbie Wilson (Harrison), his brothers Bill Gaines (Ashley) and John Gaines (Christine), his nephews Cory and Dustin Wilson and Andrew Gaines, and his many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, William “Bill” Gaines II.

A visitation to celebrate Eddie’s life will be held Friday, August 28, 2026 from 11:00am - 1:00pm in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal Street, Milton, Del 19968.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to AtTAcK Addiction, https://www.attackaddiction.org/donate or by mail to: P.O. Box 36, Bear, DE 19701.