Survived by his wife of 27 years Susan, three children Brittany (24), Matthew (21), Ryan (18), sisters Susan Hodges and Carolyn McKinley, and mother Lottie Gotschall.
Ed was born in Steubenville Ohio and raised in Shadyside Ohio. He attended Shadyside High School and graduated in 1973 as Valedictorian. He lettered in football, basketball and golf. He attended Ohio State University and graduated from Arizona State University with a BS Degree in Accounting in 1979.
He moved his family to Southern California in 1982. He worked for Touche Ross, Security Pacific International Finance, Pacific Savings, and Plaza Home Mortgage. He co-founded Option 1 Mortgage. In 1995 he co-founded New Century Financial Corporation with Bob Cole and Brad Morrice.