Tributes Paid To Iconic Islander And Minghella Ice Cream Founder Eddie Minghella

Tributes have been paid to Eddie Minghella, founder of the world-renowned Minghella ice cream, who died peacefully in hospital last night (Sunday April 5) at the age of 104.

A prominent Isle of Wight businessman and dedicated public servant, Mr Minghella spent more than eight decades contributing to Island life, supporting a wide range of charities, organisations and civic causes.

Throughout his life, he held numerous roles within the community, including serving as an Isle of Wight councillor and Deputy Mayor of Ryde.

He was also Chairman of the Ryde Business Association, the Ryde Carnival Association, the Isle of Wight branch of Save the Children, and Chair of Governors at St Mary’s Primary School.

In recognition of his long-standing service, he was made a Freeman of Ryde in 2015 and was a Life President of the Chamber of Commerce.

He was also a longstanding member of the Catenians, supporting charitable work both locally and internationally.

Born in Glasgow in 1921, the eldest of four children, Mr Minghella was of British and Italian heritage.

His early years saw him live in Paris and Italy before returning to the UK at the outbreak of the Second World War. He later served with the Royal Army Medical Corps.

Following the war, he settled in Ryde, where he married his wife Gloria at St Mary’s Church.

Together, they built both a family and a successful business, beginning with the Mayfayre café in Ryde High Street.

Using his demobilisation pay, Mr Minghella established a small ice cream factory at the rear of the premises, laying the foundations for what would become an internationally recognised brand.

Over the years, Minghella ice cream earned widespread acclaim, supplied to prestigious outlets including Harrods and Fortnum & Mason.

Beyond business, both Eddie and Gloria Minghella were deeply committed to public service.

Mrs Minghella also held a number of civic roles, including serving as Mayor of Medina and as a Deputy Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight. She was awarded an MBE in 2007 for her services to the Island.

She died in 2014, after nearly 63 years of marriage.

Mr Minghella’s legacy also lives on through his family.

Among his children are the late Anthony Minghella, the Academy Award-winning director of The English Patient, as well as other accomplished figures in the fields of business, arts and academia.

In his later years, Mr Minghella resided at St Vincent’s Nursing Home in Ryde before being admitted to hospital following a fall.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.