Obituary: Edward J. Rustic, Sr. (Porto Funeral Homes)

Edward J. “Big Ed” Rustic Sr., 86, of East Haven, beloved husband of the late MaryAnn Manciero Rustic, passed away March 3, 2026 peacefully surrounded by his family by whom he was so proud of and loved with all his heart. Loving father of Edward (Marie) Rustic, Jr. of East Haven, Marciann (Peter) Schaffer of Arlington, VA and Roseann Fusco of Meriden. Grandfather of Kristopher (Caitlin), Brian, and Joseph Rustic; Justin, Jordan, and Julianna Schaffer; Michael (Sterling) Fusco, and Angelina Cruz.

Edward was born in New Haven on October 10, 1939, son of the late Joseph and Agnes DeAngelo Rustic.

Ed was an only child, but after marrying MaryAnn, he never felt like one. He thought of her siblings as his own and was grateful for the friendships they developed over the years.

Ed was a talented auto upholsterer and the owner of Auto Upholstery Unlimited on State Street before continuing his career at Connecticut Transit, where he eventually retired. Ed was a collector of all things and never missed spotting a treasure. Whether you knew him as Ed, Big Ed or Pudgy, he enjoyed gathering with friends and telling jokes. Ed was a gifted artist, a boxing fanatic, a classic car enthusiast, and a loyal UConn Women’s Basketball fan. Most of all, Ed was a family man, he loved spending time with his family and he was a proud Poppy, dad, husband, uncle and soon to be great grandfather.

Ed’s sense of humor and kind, welcoming spirit will be missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Tina Masciangelo and Ashleigh Soper for the unwavering care they provided to both of our parents over the years. Their kindness and support filled our parents’ lives with love, compassion, and dignity.

Family and friends are invited to a parlor service on TUESDAY morning, March 10, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. in the PORTO FUNERAL HOME, 234 Foxon Rd. (Rte. 80), East Haven. Inurnment will follow in Green Lawn Cemetery. Family and friends may call on MONDAY from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org. Sign Ed’s guest book online at www.portofuneralhomes.net.