Edward Roy Eaccarino, 86, of Old Saybrook passed away March 6, 2023 following a brief illness. It seems impossible to capture the essence of a man such as Ed in brief, but we will do our best.

Ed was born July 2, 1936 in New Haven, to Joseph and Susan (Alberino) Eaccarino. He was a Boy Scout, a shortstop for many a baseball team, and a young volunteer at West Rock Nature Center. He sang doo-wop on the street corner with his friends. He graduated from Hillhouse High School and went on to work in various industries. He holds a BS and MBA from University of Connecticut.

Life took an unexpected and exciting turn when, in 1971, he met the love of his life JoAnn (Thank you, Secaucus!). He decided she was the one for him several years later after she’d taken an overseas assignment with the Air Force. Luckily, he convinced her to come back and the two were married in June 1978 surrounded by family and friends who became family. Together, they made their home in Old Saybrook and raised two daughters who were his pride and joy. Ed was an avid golfer, a lifelong student of history and the sciences, a beach lover, and a true-blue Yankees fan. He had a special sense of humor and told jokes that sometimes only he understood, but nevertheless, we laughed with him.

For over 25 years, Ed owned and operated Ed’s Mistick Village Cleaners. He could have written a book about his experiences and the people he met and came to cherish as dear friends over loads of wash, dry, fold. He was especially fond of the Friday Night Losers Club, who were a strong support to him even after the business closed.

Ed was also committed to service and the betterment of his community. Over the years, he gave time to various committees, the Old Saybrook Board of Tax Review, and the coat and can drives he regularly organized for those experiencing hardship. He believed in equity, justice, and beachfront access for all. He was a faithful parishioner of St. Paul’s Westbrook, St. John’s Niantic, and saw the wonder of God’s creation in everything.

He leaves to celebrate his memory his loving wife JoAnn (May); children, CPT Susan Eaccarino of Fayetteville, North Carolina and Christine and Thomas Longyear of West Hartford; dear siblings, Tom and Joanne; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and much-loved friends and neighbors. He also leaves a grandson, James Edward, and granddaughter, Elizabeth Ann — you’re surely etched in their memory bank, Dad. He was predeceased by his parents; brother Tom; sister Concetta “Dolly,” and many family and friends who we know welcomed him home.

The family would like to thank the entire care team at Yale New Haven Hospital, especially the wonderful nursing staff who took such gentle care of him and all of us. To Mark, Jen, Alexis, Ally, Kenney, Ethan, John, Lauren, Haley, Cailin — thank you. We would also like to thank family friends, Dr. Sikand and Dr. Murphy, for guiding and supporting us so thoughtfully.

Per Ed’s request, there will be no funeral, but a celebration of his life at a later, warmer date. What can you do to honor him in the meantime? Continue his legacy by listening to the birds, sitting on the beach, and telling those you love how precious they are.

We’re a long way from 747 Dixwell Avenue, woglio. 143 WPH.