Edward Joseph McCormick Sr., father, papa, brother, attorney, developer, philanthropist, native Floridian, and devoted friend passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in Miami on July 13, 2021, at the age of 80. Born on April 13, 1941, in Miami to Dr. James and Marie McCormick, Ed was fifth of eleven brothers and sisters. As a young man, he attended St. Rose of Lima grade school and Archbishop Curley High School, where he played football.  He went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in History ('63) and Juris Doctorate ('66) degrees from the University of Miami and opened his law practice in 1966. In 1970, Ed purchased and renovated McCormick Place – an eight-story multipurpose building at 111 SW 3rd Street in Downtown Miami, where he held his office until his death.

In 1980, Ed and his wife, Sylvia, moved with their three children to Delray Beach, where they were active members of St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church and school, and Pope John II High School. Ed was a devoted Catholic and played an instrumental role in many fundraising efforts, including raising money for the construction of St. Vincent's Mercy Hall. He also served as a volunteer social studies teacher at St. Vincent, sharing his love for history with students.  In addition, he was an active member of the Emerald Society, Century Club, Surf Club, Rotary Club and Knights of Columbus. He served on the board of the Arch Diocese of Miami Education Fund and was a founding board member of St. Thomas Law School and the Miami Downtown Arts District.

Ed had a special place in his heart for New England. As a child, his family summered in his mother's hometown on the South Shore of Boston and in 1978, he purchased 181 Atlantic Avenue in Cohasset, MA, where he and Sylvia spent summers and holidays with their children. Ed and Sylvia were natural entertainers, hosting dozens of family members and friends at their home over the 13 years of their ownership. A lover of seafood, Ed never grew tired of the northeastern fare – his favorites of which were lobster, steamers, mussels, and blue fish paired with Sylvia's double-boiler rice. He shared his affinity for seafood with his children and grandchildren, who attest that he was the best lobster chef.

Of all the hats he wore throughout his life, being a father and grandfather were the roles he valued most. "Papa Ed", as he was lovingly known, played an active and formative role in the lives of his five grandchildren Meaghan, Erin, Dylan, Teddy, and Bobby. Ed was involved in everything from teaching them how to swim, how to drive a car, and how to master the grill. He never missed a graduation ceremony, sporting event, or musical production, and his booming voice could always be heard cheering loudly from the audience or stands.

Ed is predeceased by his parents and his sisters, Marie and Margaret. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sylvia, his three children Michelle (Sean), Edward "Eddie" Jr., and Sean, five grandchildren Meaghan (23), Erin (21), Dylan (15), Edward "Teddy" III (5), and Robert "Bobby" (3), and his siblings, Veronica, James Jr., John, Francis, Louise, Cecilia, Alice, and Michael. He will be remembered fondly by his family for his love of instrumental music and the ocean, his steady and compassionate demeanor, his inviting smile, his big heart, his passion for history, and his unwavering generosity.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3510 S Ocean Blvd, Highland Beach, FL 33487 at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 24, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to History Miami Museum, 101 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130 in his name. Click here to donate online.