Edward DeCastro Seltzer

Eddie Seltzer of Charlotte died peacefully in his home on Wednesday, June 30, 2021. He will forever be known as an AMAZING father to his three devoted daughters. His passing comes after a hard-fought battle with congestive heart failure. He was 68 years old. He squeezed a lot of joy into his life on earth and his absence in this world will impact many. Eddie loved well and was well loved.

He was born on March 5, 1953, in Washington, DC to Don and Trudy Seltzer who preceded him in death. Eddie shared the same birthday as his father. He had a deep admiration and then friendship with both his parents throughout their lives. They instilled in him the priority to love your family and friends. He was part of a big family and proud to be a Seltzer.

In 1955, the Seltzer family moved to Charlotte where Eddie quickly embraced the Queen City. Most of his friendships were forged over 55 years ago in his early teens. Thankfully, those same friends who were there for all the big moments in his life were once again ready to be there and visit with Eddie during the final weeks of his life. Though he could no longer jump up to join them for a meal or a card game, their visits softened his heart to reveal his true love and affection for them and all the other friends and family in his life.

Eddie was in the Myers Park High School class of 1971, where he played football, basketball, and baseball for the Mustangs. He continued his education at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill where he earned a BA in English in 1975. Eddie received his JD from Campbell Law School in 1980. His illness forced him to step back from a profession that was also one of his passions. One thing that never waned was his pride of being a Tar Heel, evidenced by his knowledge of UNC sports, as well as his boasting of UNC sports victories with others.

To say Eddie was a consummate host is an understatement. His house was open to all, whether family, his friends, his daughters’ friends, or neighbors. Eddie’s home was a beacon to all complete with garden adornments, holiday lighting year-round, swing sets, playhouses, trampolines, firepits and his significant birdhouse collection. Inside, he was always well stocked with food and ready to fire the grill to host a get-together. Perhaps most remembered by neighbors, in 1989 Hurricane Hugo came through Charlotte and knocked out the power for many days to all the houses on the block but Eddie’s. He opened his home, food, and chainsaw to all who needed help. Eddie was always at his best when serving others.

To know Eddie, was to know his stories. Not only was he an educated man with a long career as an attorney, but he was also an outdoorsman, gardener, world traveler, prankster, gambler, home fixer and dog whisperer. Until his health failed him, he was part of a standing weekly card game for 30 years which like most things with Eddie, was more about camaraderie than cards. Eddie had one adventure that stands out of the many he experienced that showed his love for the outdoors and his “well, I just don’t like to lose a bet” attitude. His friends bet he would not swim across an alligator swamp in the Hilton Head Island Refuge for whatever measly amount they scrounged together. Thankfully, he made it safely across because it became a favorite prank of his in later years to scare others by rocking canoes filled with friends and family in those same waters.

It was rare to see Eddie without a dog by his side. This contrasted to his early parenting years where he briefly claimed to be a dad who was “allergic” to dogs. That myth was quickly dispelled as the truth emerged that Eddie loved dogs and they loved him, especially chihuahuas! He cared for his own and his daughters. He bought top priced meats and cheeses for his girls’ pets, never generic brands. His home was a pet haven full of dog treats, dog beds and dog art.

Most importantly, Eddie was a terrific girl dad! He showered his girls with love and attention. He was their rock! He was the one they could count on to offer words of encouragement or instruction, and they know it all came from his heart. Eddie was always bonded with his girls. He showed genuine interest in each of their lives. Whenever they called, he was “Dad to the rescue”. Eddie loved each of his daughters immensely and they loved him.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region especially the care and comfort provided for Eddie and his family from Nurse Kristy, Nurse Assistant James, and Grief Counselor Colleen.

Eddie is survived by his three daughters, Rebecca Winn Seltzer (Winn) of Charlotte, Sarah Catherine Seltzer (Catherine) of Charlotte and Elizabeth DeCastro Seltzer (Liza) of Charleston; his 3 brothers, Don Seltzer (Janie), Greg Seltzer, Larry Seltzer (Marguerite); his sister, Sissy Smith (Bill); five nephews, Luke Seltzer (Joanna), John Mark Seltzer, Matthew Seltzer, Evan Smith, Dalton Smith; one niece, Sarah Seltzer Strickland (Cameron).

A committal service at the Providence United Methodist Church columbarium will be private.

Visitation with the family will be Saturday, July 10 from 2pm-4pm at Hampton Inn and Suites - SouthPark at Phillips Place, 6700 Phillips Place Ct, Charlotte, NC 28210.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial gifts to Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region www.hpccr.org or 7845 Little Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28226; phone 704.335.3557.

The family is being served by National Cremation Charlotte.