Edward F. Korzep and Deana L. Korzep

Edward F. Korzep ("Ed"), born January 6, 1935, and Deana L. Korzep, born September 25, 1935, devoted partners in life and adventure, passed away just 13 days apart in early 2026 - Ed on March 2, 2026, at age 91, and Deana on March 15, 2026, at age 90. After more than 65 years of marriage, their bond remained unbreakable, even in their final days. They spent their last chapter in Tennessee, having moved there in 2025 to be near their son, Michael.

Born and raised in Ohio, Ed served honorably in the United States Marine Corps before earning a bachelor's degree in education and health from Ohio University. In 1964, he and Deana relocated to Fort Myers, Florida, where they began building a remarkable shared legacy. Ed became the founding athletic director at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in 1965 - a time when the school had no athletic facilities whatsoever. Wearing many hats, he served simultaneously as football, basketball, and baseball coach; physical education, math, and science teacher; field maintenance director; and transportation director. His visionary leadership laid the foundation for the school's athletic program, including the planning and construction of its first football field and the creation of the inaugural football team. Many of the facilities he helped establish continue to be enjoyed by students today. Ed retired from Bishop Verot in 1975, though his passion for educating and inspiring others continued through his later work in scuba diving. For his enduring impact, Ed was inducted into the Bishop Verot High School Hall of Fame in 2010.

Deana, who held an associate's degree, joined her husband at Bishop Verot, where she taught science and marine biology. She also played a key role in launching the school's cheerleading program, inspiring students with her energy and dedication. Before the couple's next chapter, Deana contributed significantly to the growth of Southwest Florida, working for Gulf American Corporation - the major developer behind Cape Coral - from the late 1960s until 1973, where she served as comptroller during a pivotal era of the city's expansion.

In 1973, Ed and Deana turned their shared passion for the ocean into a thriving husband-and-wife-run business in what was then a male-dominated scuba diving industry. Ed, an avid scuba diver, trained and certified thousands of divers, while Deana managed the business operations with skill and determination. Together, they grew the venture into one of the largest scuba facilities in the United States by 1978. They led dive trips across the Caribbean - from the Florida Keys (for monthly certification dives) to the Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, and Cozumel, Mexico - forging lifelong friendships and shaping countless lives along the way. Deana further deepened her expertise by learning underwater photography from renowned photographer Ron Church, and she then taught underwater photography to others. The couple also had the honor of meeting members of the Cousteau family of Jacques Cousteau fame.

As their business grew, Ed and Deana became frequent contributors to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) through community scuba-related fundraisers. These events not only raised vital funds but also created greater awareness for both MDA and the sport of scuba diving in the region.

Beyond the depths, Ed pursued another passion: aviation. In his spare time, he built and flew experimental aircraft, completing around 13 planes over the years - a testament to his ingenuity and adventurous spirit.Ed and Deana retired from the scuba business in December 1999, closing an era filled with exploration, teaching, and community service. They lived full, vibrant lives marked by service, innovation, and an unshakeable partnership. Their legacy lives on through the students they taught, the divers they certified, the athletes they coached, the facilities they helped create, the awareness they raised for important causes, and the family they cherished - especially their son, Michael.

Ed is also survived by his sister, Barbara. A private memorial will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), a veterans' organization, a marine conservation group, or the Bishop Verot High School athletic fund.

Ed and Deana exemplified what it means to build a life together - from humble beginnings in Ohio and the classrooms of Florida to the coral reefs of the Caribbean and the skies above. Their story reminds us that love, hard work, curiosity, and generosity can create a legacy that endures for generations.We will forever miss their wisdom, laughter, and the quiet strength of their enduring love.