In Loving Memory of
With heavy hearts, family, friends, and the greater Contra Costa County community mourn the tragic loss of Edward Joseph Garofalo IV, a 38-year-old resident of Martinez whose life was taken far too soon in a shooting on Bethel Island.
Edward passed away Monday evening after deputies responded to reports of gunfire on the 3200 block of Dutch Slough Road just before 9 p.m. According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, he was found suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite immediate lifesaving efforts at the scene, Edward tragically succumbed to his injuries.
A Life Remembered
Though the circumstances surrounding his passing are heartbreaking, Edward’s life was far more than the tragedy that ended it. He was a son, a family member, a friend — someone who occupied a meaningful space in the lives of those who knew him.
At 38 years old, Edward was in the prime of his life. Those who loved him remember his presence, his personality, and the moments shared — conversations, laughter, and memories that now feel even more precious. Whether through lifelong friendships or everyday interactions, Edward left an imprint that will not be erased.
A Community in Grief
News of the shooting has shaken both Martinez and the Bethel Island area. Incidents like this ripple far beyond a single evening, leaving families shattered and communities searching for understanding. As the investigation continues, loved ones are left grappling with sorrow, shock, and the painful reality of a future without Edward.
In times like these, communities often come together — offering prayers, support, and comfort to those most affected. Edward’s family now carries the weight of an unimaginable loss, and they do so surrounded by those who care deeply for them.
Honoring His Memory
While investigations focus on answers, those closest to Edward focus on remembrance — holding onto who he was rather than how he died. His life mattered. His story mattered. And the love shared with him will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
To his family, may you find strength in cherished memories and in the support of those standing beside you. To his friends, may you carry forward the laughter, loyalty, and connection you experienced with him.
Edward Joseph Garofalo IV will be remembered not for the violence that took him, but for the life he lived and the relationships he built. Though his time here was cut short, his memory will endure — in stories told, in quiet reflections, and in the love that remains.
May he rest in peace, forever remembered and forever missed.









