Edward Thomas Dinna, "Porky", 48, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, July 18, 2010, after a brief illness.
Porky was predeceased by his father Thomas M. Dinna, and he is survived by his beloved mother Joan Dinna, his sister Marie Dinna, his brother Thomas Dinna, his sister Diann Baughan (Tim), his sister Deborah Dinna, his nieces and nephews David Chipman (Kristin), Dina Arafat (Mike), Danielle Zarem, Demi and Devin Baughan, his great-nephews David, Thomas, Adam and Noah and many other members of his extended family. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Porky moved to South Florida with his family in 1970. At age 17 Porky became a quadriplegic as a result of a car crash, but he never let his physical limitations interfere with his desire since age 12 to become an attorney and live life to its fullest. Porky did and he wasted no time doing it. In 1980, within a year of the accident, Porky graduated from Boyd H. Anderson High School. In 1984 he graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a bachelor's in communications and a 3.6 GPA. Porky placed third in his class after his first year at Nova Law School and he passed the Bar in 1988. Porky had a successful law practice, which included personal injury, criminal defense, and family law. Porky had a big heart and saw the practice of law as a calling, not a business. He used the law to help his clients, often regardless of whether they could afford to pay him. Porky took great pride in being independent. He lived in his own home across from the Intracoastal Waterway, and he drove himself in a specially equipped van. He parasailed in Mexico; scuba dived, swam, and exercised. He often traveled with his family to Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and the Bahamas, where he indulged his love of gambling; especially Black Jack and Texas Hold ‘em poker.A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 24, 2010, at Saint Coleman's Catholic Church, 1200 South Federal Highway, Pompano Beach, Florida (954) 942 3533.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Edward T. Dinna to The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, Lois Pope LIFE Center, Miami, FL 33136, (305) 243 6001 or 1-800-STAND UP, miamiproject@med.miami.edu, www.miamiproject.miami.edu. Arrangemnts entrusted to Kalsi-McIntee Funeral & Cremation Center, Wilton Manors, FL. On line condolences at kalismcintee.com.

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From: Lisa Fearns Relationship: Longtime Friend Eddie, I will always remember your wonderful smile and loving heart. I remember coming to your house to work (late 1980's) & going to the law library to research cases. Your mom would always want us to eat dinner. We would stay late & sometimes go out & have a drink. Your family was always so nice to me. Keep smiling & I will always remember you. Sent on July 22, 2010