Born on March 12, 1948, in Socorro, New Mexico, Eddie was the cherished son of Frank and Lupe Bernal and grew up alongside his siblings Nestor, Delano, Delphi, and Vangie. From an early age, Eddie was known for his warmth, resilience, and generous spirit, qualities that would define him throughout his life. In 1964, Eddie's life took a transformative turn when he spotted Yvonne Fajardo across a crowded study hall. For Eddie, it was love at first sight, and he pursued her with a quiet yet determined charm that eventually won her heart. The two became inseparable, sharing their dreams, challenges, and lives together from the day they wed on July 29, 1968, surrounded by family and dear friends.

Eddie's journey led him to Highlands University, where he earned his degree in Electrical Engineering, a field in which he would distinguish himself over the next 35 years. His career took him and Yvonne to Las Vegas, Nevada, where Eddie began his work as an engineer, specializing in research that earned him respect as an innovative mind and a patient mentor. Together with Yvonne, Eddie created a beautiful life, welcoming three daughters, Melissa, Marlena, and Melanie, each of whom he adored and devoted himself to with boundless pride. As a father, he was deeply involved, a constant figure at games and practices, a coach, and an unfailing supporter. He built not only a career but a legacy of love, knowledge, and commitment that would shape his daughters' lives and inspire generations to come.

In 1993, Eddie gained the title he cherished most: Gramps. He became a grandfather to eight grandchildren and later a great-grandfather to three, each of whom held a unique place in his heart. He was Gramps to them all, yet he had a way of connecting individually with each child, sharing in their joys, offering his wisdom, and filling their lives with laughter and love. Eddie’s home, a place of comfort and joy, became a cherished sanctuary, where family would gather for every holiday, and he loved nothing more than hosting them all, filling his home with the sounds of laughter and love that he cherished so deeply. Often, he would drift to sleep on the living room couch, contentedly listening to the joy and laughter of his family surrounding him.