Obituary of Edward W. Bush

Edward W. Bush, age 81, of Stratford, beloved husband of Dr. Joan Coroso, died peacefully at CT Hospice in Branford on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 with his family by his side after a valiant battle with cancer. The son of Herbert and Lucille Zack Bush, Ed was born in New Britain and raised in Bristol. He served as a sonar man in the U.S. Navy for four years, where he also played basketball for the Atlantic Fleet's Destroyer Force Team. Following his naval duties, Ed graduated from Central Connecticut State University and then the University of Illinois where he received an MA in Economics. He taught at Bristol Eastern High School and also at Conard High School in West Hartford before spending the majority of his career as a professor of Economics at Northwestern Connecticut Community College. A lifelong sportsman, Ed excelled at baseball and basketball in his youth. While teaching, he also coached high school basketball and baseball teams. In recent years he golfed, and bowled in leagues at the Milford Lanes where he enjoyed the company of good friends while posting a number of honor scores. Ed was predeceased by his first wife, Mary Conlon Bush, and his sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Dominic Ravita. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a brother, Herbert Bush, Jr. (Carol) of Terryville, a son, Michael Bush (Janet) of New Hartford, and a daughter, Sandra Gardner (Robert) of Torrington; also by three step children, Mary Kay Boitano-Nelson (Steven Nelson) of Sugar Land, TX, Laura Brady of Madison, and Stephen Boitano of Bangkok, Thailand; beloved grandchildren Courtney Bush and Charlotte and Richard Roso of New Hartford, Kaylee and Lauren Gardner, Haley, Samantha and Amelia Nelson, and Lauren and Jack Brady. Ed is also survived by his brother-in-law and brother-in-heart, Benedict Vetrano and his wife Catherine Conlon Vetrano of Bristol, and a number of beloved nieces and nephews including his godson, John Vetrano (Melanie) of Simsbury. Kind, friendly, and easy-going, with an exceptional sense of humor, Ed was a man singularly devoted to his family. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by those who knew and loved him. The family thanks the many dedicated caregivers during his illness – Dr. Jerry Malefatto and his warm and compassionate staff, the kind and skilled staff at the Bridgeport Hospital Oncology Unit, and the staff at CT Hospice who supported him through his final days. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 10:00 am directly, at Our Lady of Grace Church, 497 Second Hill Lane, Stratford, CT. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Friends and family may call on Friday, October 16, from 3:30-7:30pm at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, CT 06611. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405 or to a charity of one's choice.