Edward William Stankiewicz

OLD LYME - Edward William Stankiewicz, 82, of Old Lyme, passed away on Monday, Jan. 14, 2013, with his family by his side. He was the loving husband of Lynne Gagne Stankiewicz for over 58 years.

Ed was born on Dec. 15, 1930, and was raised and lived most of his life in Meriden before moving to his home by the shore at Point O' Woods, which brought him true joy. He spent his winters in Englewood, Fla., with his wife, Lynne. Ed was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, who above all enjoyed spending time with his family. Ed served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class and went on to earn his teaching degree from Central Connecticut State University in 1960, where he was a member of the 1958 Central Connecticut undefeated football team. He went on to earn his master's degree from Southern Connecticut State University. He was the owner of the Hanover House Restaurant in Meriden for seven years before beginning his teaching career. He spent most of his teaching years at Platt High School, also acting as the athletic director, retiring in 1992. He was a football coach at Platt for eight years, a role that he thoroughly enjoyed because of his love of sports. He was a lifelong member of the Meriden Lions Club. Ed was an avid N.Y. Yankee fan who also enjoyed playing golf, traveling and spending time with his grandchildren. 'Grampy' was their biggest fan, attending all their activities and celebrating their accomplishments. He had a special fondness for the annual pilgrimage to Camp David in New Hampshire, where he and his family would spend time laughing and sharing stories around the bonfire.

Besides his wife, Ed is survived by his children, Mark and his wife, Anna (D'Ambrogio), of Old Lyme, John and his wife, Cheryl (Mercier), of Brunswick, Maine, Paul and his wife, Gina (Salafia), of Tolland, Jim and his wife, Linda (Nicastro), of Middlefield and Lynne Killoy and her husband, Ian, of Niantic; 12 grandchildren, Kevin, Adam, Josh, Jason, Big Jay, Luke, Ali, Brett, Emma, Amy, Quinn and Shea, who he adored. He leaves a brother, Frank, of Middletown; and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his best canine buddy, Bentley. He was predeceased by his sister, Dolly; and his granddaughter, Alyssa.

His family will receive relatives and friends at the Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main St. Ext., Wallingford on Friday, Jan. 18, from 4 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, Jan. 19, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, West Main Street, Meriden.

The Stankiewicz family would like to express their sincere gratitude to all the members of Hospice Southeastern CT, especially Jim and Patrick who cared for Ed during his illness.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory can be sent to Hospice Southeastern CT, 227 Dunham Street, Norwich, CT 06360.