Post #631236 by TikiTomD on Wed, Apr 4, 2012 8:39 AM

Bongo, glad you had the opportunity to meet Ed Volonnino. He really is a quite a nice fellow. Say, I recall you posted somewhere on TC that your son was moving (by now, already moved) to Melbourne. When you get back to the Florida neighborhood on a visit, give us a shout… maybe we can share a few cocktails and get acquainted.

Here’s an old newspaper photo of Ed in his youth, almost precisely 33 years ago...

Florida Today April 7, 1979

In those days, there was some serious competitive friction between Ed Volonnino and Wayne Coombs of Mai Tiki. As the years went by, both found their own unique market niche, and the tension between them mellowed out. From what I hear, they now spend quality social time together, as one might hope for two legends of Space Coast Tiki.

Here’s a Hometown News article about Ed from about five years ago...

Ed apparently has other talents, such as “spot-on” channeling of Mick Jagger; I haven’t witnessed this but look forward to a demonstration next time we meet...

Robert, expect to be seeing you in a few weeks at Hukilau, where you’ll be tempting me with more of your outstanding art. You’re forcing me to get creative to find wall space...

Wendy, thank you. Yes, please continue working on those sea creatures so we can keep Roge busy... can’t wait to view the finished project!

-Tom