Edward M. Dew

1935 - 2022

Edward M. Dew
Dr. Edward M. Dew III passed away on August 17, 2022 at his home in Fairfield, Connecticut at the age of 87. Ed was born on June 10, 1935 in Burbank, California, the only child of Mary Louise Wages and Edward (Eddie) M. Dew Jr. His parents were both actors and Ed grew up immersed in theater and song and among creative artists. He carried this passion for the arts the rest of his life.
Ed earned his Bachelor's degree from Pomona College, Masters degrees from George Washington University and Yale University, and his doctorate from UCLA.
After a brief stint as a script writer in Hollywood, Ed served as a regional director for the Peace Corps in Peru. He then found another of his great passions, education, and began a rewarding career which spanned 45 years at Fairfield University as a Professor of Politics. He devoted himself to his craft and to building the vibrant community at Fairfield. He cared for and mentored his students through their time at Fairfield and beyond. He was proud of having assisted many of them earn Fulbright Scholarships and other distinguished accomplishments. He was the author of several books and numerous articles focusing on the politics of Latin America, the Caribbean, and Russia. Ed spent his sabbaticals from Fairfield doing research overseas under grants from the Rockefeller and Ford Foundations, the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Studies, and his own Fulbright Scholarships. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Anton de Kom University in Suriname for his work in that country.
Ed was a talented classical pianist and a magnificent baritone. He rarely missed a reunion with his beloved Yale Russian Chorus. Ed was also a gifted athlete, playing basketball (star center for the Doctors of Dunk faculty team at Fairfield), volleyball (Doctors of Dink and coach of the first women's team at Fairfield), soccer, and tennis. In his spare time, he could be found caring for his vegetable and flower gardens.
Ed met his future wife, Anke van Dijk of the Netherlands, at an international service program in 1955 aiding Latvian refugees in West Germany. They were married in 1960. Together they shared a passion for travel and exploration, for learning, and for teaching.
Ed is survived by his wife Anke, their sons, Edward M. (Mac) Dew IV of Brookfield, CT and Ian M. Dew of Woodbine, MD, their wives, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank all of the wonderful people who have helped to care for Ed.
Services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider Ed's favorite charities, Operation Hope (www.operationhopect.org, a local food and services organization) and Chijnaya Foundation (www.chijnayafoundation.org, benefitting the people of the Peruvian Altiplano). Sign Ed's guestbook at www.spearfuneralhome.com