Obituary of Edward John Prestas, Sr.

Edward John Prestas, Sr. of Putnam, CT, formerly of Barrington, RI, passed away on Friday, November 28, 2008 from complications arising from a bone marrow disorder. Ed was surrounded by his loved ones and was under the experienced and compassionate care of the doctors and nurses at UMass Medical Center. He was born on November 22, 1929 to the late John Prestas and Bertha (Kollar) Prestas in Bridgeport, CT. He was pre-deceased by his older brother John and his younger sister Barbara. Ed is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Mary Ann McMahon Prestas, his sister, who lovingly raised him, Marge Mullaney and her husband Jack of Jacksonville, FL, three children: Gregory Prestas of Ithaca, NY, Dr. Amy E. Prestas and her life partner Linda L. Alexander of Seattle, WA, and Edward J. Prestas Jr. and his wife Tracy of Putnam, CT, three grandchildren: Hannah Prestas, Edward J. Prestas III and Christopher Willette, all of Putnam, CT, sister-in-law Sally Buchanan of Stratford, CT, and many nieces, grand nieces and grand nephews. Ed attended Fairfield Prep and Fairfield U before entering the Army and serving as a teacher both in the US and overseas, from 1952-1954. After leaving the Army, he worked as an industrial engineer. Ed loved being a Grandpa more than anything else, (except perhaps watching the Giants win the Super Bowl), and he found great joy in playing with his grandchildren and watching them grow. He also enjoyed reading, gardening, digging for clams on Harstine Island, WA., and dining on shrimp and lobster, in any form. We will miss him greatly, mourn him deeply and love and remember him forever. A celebration of his life will take place at a date and time to be announced. Please omit flowers. Arrangements by the Smith & Walker Funeral Home 148 Grove Street, Putnam, to share a memory "Light a Candle" at www.smithandwalkerfh.com