NAUGATUCK — Edward Dwyer, 88, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016 surrounded by his two sons, David and Stephen. Edward fought a long and courageous battle with prostate cancer.
Mr. Dwyer was born on Jan. 17, 1928 in Waterbury, to John and Gladys Dwyer. His wife, Germaine, predeceased him in August of 1996. Ted and Jerry lived in Naugatuck when their two children, David and Stephen were born. Edward has one grandson, Dylan Dwyer of Camp Hill, Pa.
Mr. Dwyer spent the bulk of his teaching career at Naugatuck High School. After receiving the first of two degrees from UConn, Edward started his teaching career at Newington High School. After one year at Newington, he accepted a position with Naugatuck Public Schools to be closer to his parents. Mr. Dwyer taught at Central Avenue School in Naugatuck for approximately two years before transferring to Naugatuck High School. Edward taught at both the old high school on Hillside Avenue and at the new high school on Rubber Avenue. He taught junior year English as well as freshman year reading at Naugatuck High. Mr. Dwyer had previously obtained some teaching experience in the U.S. Army. After completing one year of study at UConn, Mr. Dwyer enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1946, serving until 1948. Edward served in the Army of Occupation on Kyushu, a southwest island of Japan. While serving on the Island of Kyushu, the Army offered Mr. Dwyer the opportunity to teach U.S. history during the afternoon to other U.S. Army soldiers who would soon be returning stateside. Edward truly loved teaching, and served as a literacy volunteer for a number of years after retiring from Naugatuck High School. While at both the old and the new Naugatuck High, Mr. Dwyer also served as a driver education teacher.
Edward Dwyer was an active member of Hillside Covenant Church, located on Hillside Avenue right above the old high school where he once taught. Ted Dwyer also recently taught some Sunday school classes at Hillside Covenant Church.
Edward enjoyed taking long walks in Naugatuck and traveling on cruise ships in the Caribbean where he would walk many laps around the ship.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Regency Care of Waterbury and VITAS for the attentive and compassionate care Edward received during his final weeks of life upon discharge from the hospital. At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, friends may make memorial contributions to Hillside Covenant Church Memorial Gift Fund, 100 Hillside Ave., Naugatuck, CT 06770.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, Jan. 2, 2017 at 1 p.m. at Hillside Covenant Church, 100 Hillside Ave., Naugatuck. A reception will follow in Fellowship Hall at the church. A private graveside service will take place at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Meriden at the family’s convenience. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Ave., Naugatuck.
To leave an online condolence, visit www.buckmillerthurstonmengacci.com.
