Edward Voorhees

EDWARD CONRAD VOORHEES

Edward Conrad Voorhees died December 10, 2024 at UCONN's John Dempsey Hospital in Farmington, Connecticut. He was born in San Francisco on February 28, 1942 to Charles Voorhees of Brooklyn, New York and Pauline née Young of San Francisco, California. Ed's father was a direct descendant of early 17th century Dutch settlers in New Amsterdam and his mother a descendant of 18th century English émigrés to the Connecticut Colony.

He is survived by his wife Carol Fitzpatrick of West Hartford, Connecticut, with whom he shared his love and life for 43 years; by his brother Robert (Bob) Voorhees of Reno, Nevada, with whom he shared a strong bond and friendship along with many happy times; his son Edward (Ed) Voorhees of Arvada, Colorado, whom he loved dearly and of whom he was deeply proud; and his former wife Theresa (Terry) Gauthier of Kansas City, Missouri, whose friendship and shared commitment to their son was treasured.

After graduating from Mission High School, he landed an accounting job with The Hartford Insurance Group in San Francisco. In 1966 Ed was drafted into the U.S. Army where he was soon recruited by and served in the Signal Corps, the Army's vital communication division. Upon his discharge in 1968 at the rank of Sergeant, he returned to The Hartford and was continuously promoted to positions of greater responsibility. By 1973 he was transferred to Hartford, Connecticut where he eventually became an Officer of the company. Ed retired at the early but ripe age of 49.

In his retirement, Ed spent many lighthearted weeks each year with his mother Pauline and his stepfather George Klein, his brother Bob, and his son Eddie; the group gathered for countless holidays and family trips (including cruises, a favorite of his mother). Ed and Bob together travelled to as many casinos as were available, always having a blast as they tried their luck and skills (sometimes joined by Eddie, who is decidedly not a gambler).

Ed and his wife Carol shared a true passion for independent travel, failing only to visit Antarctica, which was on Ed's list for 2025. Camping through Europe and the States, frequent journeys to Asia and South America, sailing in the Caribbean and the South Pacific - just a sample of their adventurous days on the road. Ed's purpose was to always experience as much of the world as possible: its friendly and welcoming people, spectacular beauty, extraordinary wildlife. Yes, Ed enjoyed the finer things in life like good food paired with good wine and good friends.

He was one of the good guys, both literally and figuratively. A gregarious, fun-loving man, Ed continued to nurture those friendships formed at The Hartford and more than 40 years ago helped establish a monthly lunch of those "Good Guys" that is still going strong. He was a true ally and believer in the 20th century's affirmative action and feminist goals and he hired and promoted so that his departments reflected all of young America.

He played on many casual sports teams and enjoyed golf and tennis more for the camaraderie than the sport itself. A believer in Title IX protections, he was also a staunch supporter of UCONN Women's Basketball and the WNBA Connecticut Sun, seeing as many games as possible. Ed was an avid reader throughout his life. He loved cats, loved to sail, loved the theater, loved to dance and was quite stuck on music from the 1950's and 60's - much to the chagrin of certain loved ones.

Ed thanked Dr. John Menoutis, of UCONN Internal Medicine, his long-time excellent and empathetic primary care physician, and one who insisted on frequent testing. From one of those ordinary tests in late 2021, outwardly asymptomatic Ed was diagnosed with a myelodysplastic syndrome, one of a set of rare blood cancers we non-doctors know as leukemia. He was given a life prognosis of 1-2 years with aggressive treatment.

In early 2022 Ed interviewed at several renowned Connecticut facilities, but when he walked onto UCONN's fourth floor he knew that was the place. He received outstanding care from everyone in their Hematology Department and in the Neag Center's Infusion Suite. He thanked the entire team led by the thoughtful and compassionate Dr. Swarup Kumar. Dr. Kumar never gave up on Ed, even submitting him for a clinical trial at Yale New Haven after his failed remission in November 2024 (keep that Kumar name handy if you ever need a great hematologist). Ed was proud to have beaten that initial prognosis by nearly a year and, up until his last few weeks, he lived a full life without pain or disability.

He extended thanks to Dempsey Hospital's excellent Internal Medicine team who watched over him: Drs. Jason Carrese, Ahmed Naseer and Jadzia Wray, physicians who could take a joke. As long as he could, Ed extended thanks to the tireless and gentle nurses and support staff in Oncology Care.

Ed and Carol thanked their family friend, Kay Ellen Lohr of West Hartford, Connecticut, for her generous assistance in preparing this obituary for his review.

The UCONN School of Medicine Anatomical Donation Program accepted his body in hopes that it may be used in the advancement of medical education and research. Ed opted for no service to be held.

Everyone who met Ed Voorhees will attest to his unfailing positive attitude and resilience and jokes. He will be missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of cards or flowers, please hug your loved ones. Donations may be made in Ed's name to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.