Obituary: Edward John Ardolino, 95, of Branford

Information via W S Clancy Branford Funeral Home

Edward John Ardolino, aged 95, died December 22, 2016 in Branford. Born on June 16, 1921 in New Haven, he was one of eight children.

In 1953, he moved to Branford which was his home for over 45 years. His greatest joy over the years was the constant comings and goings of family and friends.

Like so many members of the Greatest Generation, Ed came of age with the outbreak of World War II. He enlisted in the U. S. Army Air Corps and was sent to Burma where he was a member of the Flying Tigers. With the end of the war, Ed settled in Branford where he began his long entrepreneurial career and several successful business ventures - Advance Toy and Doll that brought the Winnie and Tama dolls; Universal Industries which developed a successful manufacturing process and Aerospace Coating that held the original patent for high temperature aircraft engine coating material.

Ed is predeceased by his wife Helen Euzzine Ardolino and 7 siblings – Jesse Ponzo, Andrew Ardolino, Anthony Ardolino, Gilda Cerrito, Margaret Russo, William Ardolino, Edith Carbonari, He is survived by his daughter Tama Ardolino Coleman and husband Dillon of Raleigh, NC and his son Jay Ardolino and wife Karen of Branford . He is also survived by his companion, Cathy Schwartz.

He was a long standing member and past president of the Lions Club, a member in good standing of the Masons and a Golden Gloves Boxer.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ed's memory can be made to the charity of your choice.