Obituary of Edwin R. Burwell

Edwin R. Burwell Sr., 68, of Hemingway Ave., East Haven, a lifelong resident of East Raven and retired East Haven Firefighter passed away peacefully on May 1, 2010 with his family by his side. Father of Marlene Brown and husband Tim of East Haven, Edwin Burwell Jr. and wife Lori of NYC and Kevin Burwell of East Haven. Grandfather of Jake, Alexis, Mackenzie and Dylan Burwell. Brother of Robert Burwell and wife Viola of RI. Also survived by several nieces and nephews and his ex wife Nancy Reynolds Burwell. Born March 14,1942 in New Haven a son of the late Arthur E. and Ann M. Powers Burwell, Ed showed an interest in firefighting at a young age and joined the Riverside Volunteer F. D. as a teen. He worked for a while at G & 0 Industries in New Haven and on June 10, 1967 he became a member of the East Haven Fire Dept. He served the people of the town of East Haven for thirty seven years, retiring on March 14, 2004. He also worked part time delivering oil for several area oil companies. He was a past Captain of the The Riverside Volunteer F.D., a member of the Branford Elks Club and a member of the International Assoc. of Retired Firefighters. Ed had a one of a kind personality and was instantly loved and adored by all who knew him. His greatest joy was his family who were equally devoted to him. Ed was not only their father but was considered by his children as their best friend. He leaves behind many friends, old and new who will miss his smile and love of life. Funeral from the Clancy Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave.,East Haven, Wednesday morning at 8:30. Mass of Christian Burial in ST. Clare Church, East Haven at 9:00. Burial will be private. Friends may call Tuesday from 4-8pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Lung Life Pulmonary Rehab C/O Hospital of St. Raphael’s, 84 N. Main St., Branford,CT, 06405 or the Humane Society, 788 Amity Rd., Bethany, CT., 06524. The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the wonderful, caring staff at Milne 2, Gaylord Hospital who became our family during his illness.