Edward T. Coll

Edward T. "Ned" Coll, big-hearted activist and director of The Revitalization Corps, passed on peacefully in his sleep on December 17, 2022. Beloved father of John and Beth, dear grandfather of Rion and Amanu, Ned touched thousands of lives through his grassroots organizing and unflinching advocacy for equal access to beaches, housing, education and employment. Known for his courage and wit, he was passionate about challenging the apathy of the privileged, and doing so creatively, tenaciously, and with great enjoyment.

Ned's soul was most at home in the North End of Hartford, where he worked since founding his anti-poverty social action agency in 1963. There are many people, living and passed, who Ned loved as family, especially the beautiful kids and parents who participated in the tutoring program, and the kind people who provided volunteer and material support to The Corps.

Ned's dynamic activism brought him national attention, and his accomplishments are even more remarkable considering that he endured epilepsy since childhood. His family would like to thank all the neighbors, friends, and caretakers who helped him reach the glorious age of 82.

Proudly Irish American, Ned was born on December 30, 1939 in Hartford to Daniel and Claire Coll, the youngest of seven and only boy. He loved his sisters and their families. He lived in Bloomfield with his first wife Elizabeth and their two children, and then in Barkhamsted with Leslie Hammond, to whom he was married until 2009.

Ned was deeply Catholic and blessed with a profound spiritual life. The family invites all to join a funeral mass and celebration of Ned's life on Friday, December 30th (his birthday) at 10 am at Holy Trinity Parish, 53 Capitol Ave. in Hartford. A public wake will be held the evening before, Thursday, December 29, from 5-7 pm at The Ahern Funeral Home, 180 Farmington Ave., in Hartford. Please come and share your memories.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to HYPE Hartford, a grassroots effort to support young people in need, through the website www.hypehartfordct.com, or by sending a check to Warren Hardy, 20 Vine Street Apt. 302, Hartford, Ct 06112. To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.ahernfuneralhome.com.