BOYERTOWN >> “Navy SEAL Eddy Furlani is an American hero.”
Those were the first few words written on a GoFundMe page about Edward Furlani, 35, formerly of Gilbertsville, who passed away suddenly last month after years as a decorated Navy SEAL.
“His actions on and off the battlefield have unquestionably saved the lives of many teammates as well as those of innocent non combatants across multiple battlefields,” read the GoFundMe page set up in his honor.
His friends, family and community have responded to his death with fundraising efforts aimed at providing for his three children as well as paying for funeral arrangements on both the East and West Coasts.
Furlani was born in Albany, N.Y., on Feb. 24, 1982, and resided in Albany, N.Y., Gilbertsville, and Imperial Beach, Calif., according to According to his obituary. He graduated from Boyertown Area High School, class of 2000. He “joined the Navy in 2000 with the singular purpose of becoming a Navy SEAL and in 2003 he achieved the first step toward that goal as a proud member of BUD/S graduating Class 245.”
After completing training, he officially became a Navy SEAL, taking on multiple challenges including working as personal security operations for Iraq’s Vice President, taking part in action combat missions out of Al Anbar Providence’s Habbaniyah Iraq, and later becoming a sniper instructor as well as a teacher for advanced urban and open terrain tactics, techniques and procedures.
Among Furlani’s personal awards are a Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal with Combat “V” and a second Navy Achievement Medal.
In addition, Furlani and his platoon conducted 58 direct action combat operations and captured Iraq’s #3 High Value Individual.
Now, his community and friends are giving back and working to raise money to provide his family with closure and security. So far the GoFundMe page has raised $13,750 of its $20,000 goal and has been shared over 500 times.
Furlani is survived by his wife, Andrea and their three children, Dexter, Zelma and Loki.
“As the proud father of three beautiful children and husband to a wonderful lady, many of his fondest moments were found in the time he shared with his young family,” reads the GoFundMe page. “Whether walking on the beach with his kids and Andrea or painting action figures on their bedroom wall, Eddy was happiest spending time with his favorite team!”
The fundraising efforts have already helped provide the Furlani’s with a memorial service in San Diego on Aug. 5, according to the memorial page. Another memorial service is planned for Aug. 12 at 11 a.m. at St. Henry’s Church, 39 Old Route 66, Averill Park, NY 12018.
