Edith Gilman

Edith "Edie" Gilman, 72, beloved Mom of the late Sgt. Benjamin Gilman, who was killed in action while serving our country in Afghanistan in 2004, and dear friend, of Allen Court, of Meriden, died Saturday, August 3, 2025, at her home. Born in Meriden on October 19, 1952, daughter of the late William and Ruth Gilman, Edie was a lifelong Meriden resident. A graduate of Orville H. Platt High School in Meriden, she was employed by the Electrical Energy Systems Corporation in Southington before retiring in 2015. Edie also worked many years at the Curtis Home as a health care worker before gaining her accounting certification, in which she then transferred to the business office. She also did second shift hours at H&R Block for some time while her son Ben was deployed during Operation Enduring Freedom. Edie was a member of the VFW Auxiliary #9965, Yalesville, CT, as well as a Gold Star Mother where she served as their secretary for many years. She is survived by Jean Moran and her husband, Louis Pontacoloni; Joe and Katie, Jon and Paige, and Michaella Pontacoloni, all of Wethersfield. She also leaves behind her dear friend, Louis A. Rivera Sr. and his children, Louis A. Rivera Jr. and his wife Urasa, Cynthia Rivera Serignese, Melinda Bussuvanno and Rebecca Rivera; her sister, Rose Miskar; her brother, Edward and his wife Char, Elmer and his wife Elaine Gilman, all of Tacoma Washington. Also left to cherish her memory are the Bagnoli Family and several cousins, and many close friends. Besides her parents and her son, Edie was predeceased by Saphira her beloved Yorkie and by her brother, Henry Gilman. Family and friends are invited to call at the John J. Ferry and Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main Street, Meriden, CT 06450, on Sunday, August 10th from 1 to 3 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Burial will be held on Monday, August 11th at 11 a.m. in Walnut Grove Cemetery, 817 Old Colony Road, Meriden, CT 06451. Everyone is asked to meet directly at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters. https://www.classy.org/give/399292/#!/donation/checkout To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Edith, please visit our Tree Store.