Obituary: ​Edward J. Panczak, 90, of North Branford

Edward J. Panczak of North Branford, formerly of Madison, passed away peacefully Saturday December 23, 2017 at Connecticut Hospice, in Branford. He was the husband of Jeanne Bright Panczak. Ed was born March 23, 1927 in New Haven, the youngest child of the late Stephen and Anna Panczak.

Ed graduated early from Hillhouse High School, where he played football, ice hockey, and golf, so he could serve his country in the U. S. Navy during World War II. After the war he attended Arnold College and became a physical education teacher.

He played semi-pro hockey with the New Haven Bears, and after his playing career, he was a hockey referee for many years. He refereed for ECAC Division 1 college hockey, and for one year, in the NHL. Ed was a physical education teacher for 32 years, and athletic director for 16 years at Guilford High School and a coach of various sports. In 1986, he was elected to the Guilford High School Athletic Hall of Fame for his accomplishments.

He was a well-known amateur golfer, playing in many tournaments, and was a member of the Madison Country Club and the Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club in Branford. Ed wintered for many years at the Villages in Ocala, FL. Besides his wife, he is survived by his sons, Robert (Lisa) Panczak of Branford and Edward J. (Lorey) Panczak, Jr. of Guilford; his step-children, Tom (Jen) Bright, Lynn (Mac) Plant, Janet (Klaus) Kroelger and Debra (Kyle) Stevens; and 13 grandchildren, Joshua, Sydney, Robert, Gregory, Christopher, Robert, James, Brendan, Brianna, Michael, Ryan, Melanie, and Merrill and four great-grandchildren..

He was predeceased by his first wife, Jane Dorman Panczak, and his seven siblings, George, Stephen, Mary, Charles, John, Joseph and William.Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial, Wednesday morning at 10:00 in St. Augustine Church, North Branford. Burial will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery, West Haven. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, or to the Soundview YMCA, 628 East Main Street, Branford, CT 06405. To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Edward Panczak, please visit our Tribute Store.