Obituary

Celebrating the Life of Ed Zimmerman
3/02/57 – 12/02/25

Heaven has just received a very special, beautiful blue-eyed angel.

Edwin “Ed” Vincent Zimmerman III, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away from post-surgical complications on December 2, 2025, at the age of 68. Ed was born on March 2, 1957, in Alliance, Ohio, and raised in Oak Park, Illinois, before moving to Laguna Beach, California. Ed graduated from Laguna Beach High School in 1975, then moved away to start his career and family, returning to Laguna Beach in 2003—a place and community he loved deeply and called home for the past 22 years.

Ed was a hardworking, patient, kind and gentle man, known for his honesty, loyalty, and integrity. A bright, intuitive and humble business leader, he built a respected and beloved early career in the dairy/cheese industry. He was the first Vice President of Sales for Tillamook Cheese, where he was very instrumental in building the foundation of the company’s success today. He also held a sales leadership role at Sorrento Cheese Co., followed by becoming President & CEO for Gardenia Foods, President & CEO for Morningstar Foods, President & CEO for Rondele Foods and then venturing into the commodity dairy business at Dean Foods. His entrepreneurial spirit later led him to acquire and lead a boutique fresh mozzarella company, D’Celli Specialty Foods, and then to co-found Coastal Marketing Group, Inc. (CMG) with his wife Debra in 2008, a successful and reputable Dairy/Cheese & Bakery Industry Sales & Marketing Organization. Ed was actively and passionately engaged in building the CMG business for the past 17 years; Its dedicated team of employees are committed to honoring his legacy. The loss of Ed will impact all who knew him over the 50+ years he spent in the food industry. His extensive business knowledge & expertise, coupled with his widely respected reputation and deep passion for the food industry, earned him admiration nationwide. Ed always supported and gave credit to others, never boasting of his own great accomplishments. He absolutely loved his work—not just for the craft, but for the people. Many of those he worked with over the decades became some of his dearest friends.

Ed also touched the lives of countless people in Laguna Beach, where he was known for making friends with nearly everyone he met. Many people said he should have ran for mayor, because everywhere he went in Laguna, he ran into someone he knew—and they knew him with much affection. Ed was admired, respected, and loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

At the center of Ed’s world was his extraordinary relationship with his “Wife for Life,” Debra. Their love was unmistakable—a bond like no other that everyone around them could feel. They were not only life partners, best friends, and soul mates, but also business partners, often referred to as the “dynamic duo.” Together they built a life rich in love, partnership, and shared purpose, married for nearly 27 years. He will forever be the love of Debra’s life.

Ed loved to travel, dine out, and cherished every single moment spent with family and friends. He was a good listener, offering quiet strength and heartfelt support to all who needed it. He also had a sweet way of adding humor to any situation. Of all Ed’s joys, family was his greatest. He was a proud and loving father to his three children and the most loving and joyful Grandpa/Papa to his three adorable grandchildren. He worked extremely hard to provide a great life for all his loved ones and we all appreciate him so very much for his labor of love.

Ed lived his life with kindness, humility, humor, and unwavering devotion to the people he loved. He had a remarkable ability to make others feel seen and valued, and will always be remembered for his dependability, warm smile, beautiful blue eyes and the deep love he carried in his heart. Ed’s legacy lives on in the many lives he touched—through his work, friendships, generosity, and the family he adored. “Ed’s life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, he is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.”

Ed is survived by his wife Debra Zimmerman, daughter Saundra Zimmerman, sons Jessen Zimmermanand Nick Capobianco, and his grandchildren Alessandra (7), Easton (3), and Sophie (2). Ed was also a cherished brother and very close to all his siblings, survived by sisters JoAnn Bacus, Nancy Cerny, Suzanne Valker, and Patti Pollard, and brother Tom Zimmerman, who all loved him dearly. His entire family will forever hold him in their hearts.

The family has received many kind requests asking where donations can be made in Ed’s honor. The truth is, Ed would have wanted something different. He would want you to invest your time and money with your loved ones. If you feel moved to honor him, book a flight, visit someone dear to you, and wrap them in a big hug. Life is far too short not to prioritize the people who mean the most to you!