Br. Edgardo Zea, O.F.M. was born in Arequipa, Peru. He is the youngest of six children. He went to the Cayetano Heredia University in Lima, Peru. He graduated from Siena College with a B.A. in Spanish Education and received his M.A. in Hispanic Literature and M.A. in Cultural Studies from University at Albany.
Prior to joining the Franciscans, Br. Edgardo used to work as a medical technician in Peru. He entered the Franciscans in 2006 and professed first vows in 2007. He did his internship at Siena College. As part of his internship, Br. Edgardo worked as a spiritual director in Student Affairs, as well as in prison ministry. He has taught Spanish in some schools at Albany and done Spanish tutoring at Siena College. He enjoys theatre, music, art, films, and literature.