Obituary: Edward L. Kersten

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Edward L. Kersten
Edward L. Kersten

BEACON FALLS — It is with great sadness that we suddenly must say good-bye to Edward L. Kersten. On March 6, 2014, he left this world to join his family in the glorious glow of God.

Mr. Kersten was born in Stamford on Aug. 11, 1927, son of the late Stanley and Josephine (Serafin) Kersten. He attended Stamford public schools, and his first work experience was at Luders Boat Yard in 1943. He followed that with 37 years working at Reflectoncon flight trainers for the military. He was a member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, and over the years held positions of quartermaster for the Stamford Silver Falcons, cubmaster, and home and school president for St. Mary’s School. One of his greatest passions, besides caring for his family, was racing pigeons. “Big Ed” was race secretary for Stamford, Norwalk and the old New Hope racing pigeon clubs for over 20 years.

Edward is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 64 years, Dorothy May (Ritchey); his three sons, Rodney Kersten and his wife Ann of Bolivia, N.C., Stanley Kersten and his wife Kathryn of Beacon Falls, and Henry Kersten and his wife Leslie of Waverly, Tenn. His seven grandchildren will miss his joy and love, Nancy Ann (Michael) Macri, Andrew (Raquel) Daniello, Michelle (Martin) Wojtyniak, Sarah (fiancé Alan Sedlak), Brian, Joanne and William Kersten; and two wonderful great grandchildren, Anthony Daniello and Lucas Wojtyniak; along with many nieces and nephews, who also share in the loss. Ed was also predeceased by his sister Blanche and her husband Francis Cummings; brother, Henry and his wife Bernice Kersten; sister, Louis and husband Fred Tucciarone.

Like his pigeons, Eddie, Dad, Pop Pop, will now soar over and watch his loving family.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 14, 2014 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 566 Elm St., Stamford. Please meet directly at the church at 10:45 a.m. Calling hours will be held at the Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald-Zembruski Funeral Home, 240 North Main St., Naugatuck on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Liver Foundation Connecticut Division, 127 Washington Ave., North Haven, CT 06473.

To send an online condolence, visit www.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com.