At the recent memorial service for Ed Muniz at The Pontchartrain Center in Kenner, the theme and decorations had a carnival feel. It was fitting for the 83- year-old founder of the Krewe of Endymion, the largest of the Carnival Krewes in New Orleans.
Muniz founded Endymion in 1967 as a “neighborhood parade.” Over the decades, it grew to be one of the largest and most popular parades of every Mardi Gras season. But, to only view Muniz’s life through the lens of Mardi Gras would miss the significant chapters of his life that also influenced politics and media in the greater New Orleans area.
“Some people, they called him the ringmaster because he was juggling a three- ring-circus: radio, Endymion, politics. And I saw all of this. In the beginning, I was like holy cow, this man just does everything, and he does it without any stress and he just rolls,” said Jim Hanzo, son-in-law of Muniz.
There were heavy hearts at the memorial service which took place just before the Memorial Day weekend. Muniz had been struggling with dementia for in the years leading up to his death. Jim Hanzo and several of Ed Muniz’s grandchildren shared memories of Muniz who had held multiple political titles throughout his life including Mayor of Kenner, Jefferson Parish Council member, and Kenner City Council member. Muniz became a self-made millionaire through the radio network he owned and operated that stretched across six states in the South. Then, there was Endymion and Muniz’s seemingly never-ending quest to not only outdo other parades, but also his own.
For a man who made millions and spent millions, those who knew Muniz say he had an interesting relationship with his money. They told me Muniz was the type of guy that would head early to dinner to take advantage of a discount, but also would secretly buy the engagement ring for a soldier who couldn’t afford one for his fiancé. It was all part of Muniz’s three-ring-circus. Listen to the podcast here.
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