Edward J. Niland, 78, beloved husband of Cheryl Niland passed away on Sept. 22 at Midstate Hospital after a lengthy illness. Ed was born in Meriden to parents Larry and Adelaide Niland and grew up one of five children in a modest five room apartment in a loving home where he was taught that the value in life is not measured by material things but the love that surrounds you. A gentle, quiet, and pensive man with an incredible quick wit, he cared deeply for those he loved, and they knew he was always there for them. Strong of character, he was his own person.

Ed graduated from Orville H. Platt High School in Meriden. While in high school, having learned at an early age the value of hard work and responsibility, he managed a 300+ customer motor paper route, earning what he could not be given. Those traits were recognized when he was drafted into the U.S. Army for a two-year tour of duty during the Vietnam War era, being quickly promoted to the rank of Drill Sergeant as an armored vehicle instructor.

A huge portion of his life, over 30 years, was spent with the Town of Wallingford, Department of Public Works, beginning as a crew leader, then foreman, and ultimately superintendent of Public Works where he developed lifelong friendships. He held great respect for the many talented men and women with whom he worked.

He loved his three children and five grandchildren unconditionally and taught them much about the value of life in simple terms. He demonstrated to them that memories are built on time spent doing simple things together and that the challenges of aging have no boundaries- becoming an excellent downhill skier and cyclist in his 40’s and 70’s respectively.

Ed and his wife and best friend Cheri shared 49 years together never being much further apart than an outstretched hand. Together, they reached many of their mutual goals building three of their dream homes together, living along the Connecticut shoreline, traveling to all 50 states in the U.S., taking a family trip to Disney, building memories with their children and grandchildren — especially their annual Christmas tree treks and breakfasts — not to mention the huge Christmas Eve parties over 40 years with the unspoken goal of providing them with forever memories of times with family and friends. He always put Cheri ahead of all else — content to get a word in maybe once every great while — they melded perfectly based on love and respect. She loved and cherished this kind and gentle man.

Several years ago, as a member of the Westbrook Elks Lodge, he was chosen as “Irishman of the Year” an honor he humbly cherished as were the many times he volunteered for their charitable events and the friendships he made there.

Ed is survived by his loving children, Larry Niland (Nicole), Tim Roussin (fiancée Danielle Ahne), and Keely Niland Coviello (Jay); and five adored grandchildren, Jack, Alex, Jonah, Joshua, and Gianna. He is also survived by his sister Anne Niland Murphy; brother William Niland; and by many beloved nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews with whom he had many cherished memories. Ed was predeceased by his brothers, Joseph and Raymond Niland; and two beloved nieces, Lisa Niland Raczka and Amy Niland Motti.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at noon Monday, Oct. 3, at Our Lady Queen of Angels Parish, St. Joseph’s Church, 22 Goodwill Avenue, Meriden. Burial with military honors will follow at State Veteran’s Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 2, at the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 E. Main St., Meriden. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 135 Peachtree St. NE Suite 600, Atlanta, GA 30309. Online donations may be made at: (https://www.arthritis.org/honor-memorial-form).

During his ever-failing health over the past month and a half he was cared for by the staff at Pavilion C Midstate Hospital. Despite his ill health, he never ceased to grace them with his wit and candor, and them in return with wonderful care. No day will be the same without him, we know he will be with us forever. For online condolences please visit jferryfh.com.