Edward "Ed" S. Dunham, 64, of Portland, passed from this life on Monday, Aug. 13 after a brief illness. Ed was born on Oct. 21, 1947 in Willimantic and graduated from Windham High School. He resided in Middletown and Portland most of his adult life.
Ed was a pillar of the community, always quick to offer advice to politicians and public figures. He was formerly a member of the Portland Fire Department Company No.1 and for many years served on the Portland Fair Committee. Ed was a licensed pyrotechnic engineer for the John and Michael Dapkus Fireworks Company and proudly served as the chairman of the Portland Fireworks Committee, always striving to have the best fireworks display in the state. Ed attended a local culinary institute and was owner and manager of Frederico's Catering Service. He was the owner and manager of Haunted Star Productions, and provided sound and lighting for concerts and public events, as well as being an agent for many bands and vocalists.
Ed was an avid Nascar enthusiast, being one of Joey Logano's greatest fans and a dear friend of Joey's grandfather, "Butch" Logano, who preceded Ed in death. For 14 years, Ed worked as a house property manager and chef at Xi Chapter of Psi Upsilon Fraternity at Wesleyan where he was recognized as a Brother. All 750 of Ed's fraternity brothers are grateful for his unparalleled leadership as property manager at 242 High St. and as chef of the Chique Chaque Dining Club. Ed instilled in his young undergraduate brothers his ideals of providing service before self and taking personal responsibility at all times. The Annual Public Service Dinners at Psi Upsilon will be named in Ed's honor in perpetuity. Ed will posthumously receive the Bishop Welsch Lifelong Leadership Award, the fraternity's highest award, this October at Wesleyan's Memorial Chapel.
Ed is sadly missed by his dear friend and business partner, Ian Pratt, the Brothers of Psi Upsilon and his many close friends who he considered to be his family.
A memorial service to celebrate Ed's life will be held at the Wesleyan Psi Upsilon Fraternity, 242 High St., Middletown on Saturday, Aug. 25 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Each year, Ed worked endlessly to make his favorite town event, the Portland Fireworks, a huge success. Donations in memory of Ed can be made to Portland Fireworks, c/o Portland Police, 265 Main St., Portland, CT. 06480. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.portlandmemorialfh.net
Please sign the Guest Book at RememberingCT.us/middletownpress.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Middletown Press on Aug. 23, 2012.

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