Edward Granfield Jr.

GRANFIELD Edward Granfield Jr., age 79, husband of Ruth Molloy Granfield, son of the late Edward, Sr. and Anna Buckholtz Granfield passed away Tuesday evening, May 31, 2011, surrounded by his family in the comfort of his own home, after a courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Ed was born in New Haven, CT August 8, 1931, and lived his entire life in West Haven. A 1949 graduate of West Haven High School, he served his country in the U.S. Army 6th Infantry Division during the Korean War from 1951 through 1953. Upon his return Ed went to work in the family business with his parents. The Edward Granfield Office Furniture and Supply Company was a cornerstone business in New Haven for over fifty years. He started out sweeping the floors and making deliveries, and eventually became its president in 1967, until the company was sold in 1981. Ed moved on and became a senior sales executive with Corporate Express until his retirement in 2003. In his day Ed was a very active member of the Greater New Haven Community. He was a former member of the New Haven Lions Club, the Knights of St. Patrick, the Milford Yacht Club, the Pine Orchard Country Club, and a past president of the Connecticut Valley Stationers Association of New England. At home, Ed was a true craftsman with gifted hands who enjoyed building antique and historic model sailing vessels from scratch. But his true passion, along with his love of family and friends was volunteer public service. Ed served as an active member with the West Shore Volunteer Fire Department for over 60 years. In addition, he served for over 35 years as a captain with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 73 in Milford, CT. "The Admiral" as he was affectionately known by, was an accomplished boater, navigator and avid fisherman. In addition, Ed was credited with a number of lifesaving rescues on Long Island Sound dating back to 1943. Ed spent as much time as possible with family and friends cruising and fishing aboard his second love "The Black Mariah". His favorite destination was always Payne's New Harbor Dock in Block Island where he vacationed every summer from 1957 until 2008. "The Admiral" by nature was a humble, good natured man, a kind soul, and a wonderful story teller who was loved and respected by all that knew him. He will be deeply missed. Ed leaves behind his wife of over 50 years Ruth, his sons Edward R. (Anne), Robert J. (Tara), his daughter Kathleen Anne, and his beloved grandchildren Elizabeth, Megan, Daniel, and Kaylee. He also leaves behind a group of lifelong friends from West Shore, his family often called "The Breakfast Club". In addition the Granfield family would like to sincerely thank Connecticut Hospice, especially MaryAnn Davidson and Karen Brozdowski, for the incredible care and compassion they have provided to Ed and our family during his final months with us. The hours of visitation will take place Sunday from 4 to 8 pm at the West Haven Funeral Home at the Green. Friends and family are invited to attend a graveside service Monday morning at 10:00 in Orange Center Cemetery, Orange Center Road, Orange. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405. To leave an online remembrance please visit our website at www. westhavenfuneral.com.