Edward W. Bogdan, 79, of Bradenton, Florida, and summers in Groton Long Point, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on Monday, March 14.

Always willing to help others, Ed was loved and respected for his integrity and compassion, ingenuity, and leadership. He was a mentor to many, generously encouraging others and sharing his experience.

Born May 19, 1942, he was raised in West Hartford, Connecticut, the son of Edward W. Bogdan, Sr, and Marion Parola Bogdan. He attended the University of Connecticut, where he studied electrical engineering and met his wife, Jane Rosborg, during their first week of freshman year.

They raised their family in Newtown, Connecticut, and in 1979, they purchased a summer home in Groton Long Point, Connecticut. Early in their marriage, Ed purchased a family business that manufactured leather jewelry cases for Cartier, Tiffany, and Neiman Marcus. He moved the business to Commerce Road in Newtown and expanded the business into wood presentation cases. The company made cases for United States presidents, foreign dignitaries, and the Pope, as well as for the United States Olympic team, the World Series, and USTA, and medals and trophies, and for Super Bowl rings.

Ed was active in Newtown’s Chamber of Commerce and the Groton Long Point Association and served on the boards of both organizations in several capacities, including several terms as president in each. He was also treasurer of their Florida homeowner’s association for six years.

As an engineer, Ed was resourceful and loved to fix things and solve problems. He was a skilled woodworker and enjoyed construction and building, from wood furniture and remodeling four homes to building several industrial buildings. Other interests included golf, the stock market, and sailing. He and Jane traveled extensively, crossing the United States and visiting countries on four continents.

Ed and Jane were married fifty-five years, and time with his family was always a priority. He valued family above all, savoring time with his three children, their spouses, and his seven grandchildren.

Ed is survived by his wife, Jane, and his children, Leah DeCesare and her husband, Nick, of East Greenwich, Rhode Island; Beth Bogdan of Groton Long Point, Connecticut; and Michael Bogdan and his wife, Molly, of Darien, Connecticut. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Ali, Michael, and Anna DeCesare and Tommy, Drew, Kevin, and Katie Bogdan; by his two sisters, Carol Honis and her husband John, and Joyce Bogdan, both of West Hartford, Connecticut; and five nieces and nephews.

The family will hold a celebration of his life on Saturday, June 18, in Groton Long Point, Connecticut.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Edward Bogdan in support of ALS research and patient care to the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Mass General and mailed to the Massachusetts General Hospital Development Office, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston MA 02114, Attention: A. Van Strien. Please indicate that the gift is a tribute gift in memory of Edward Bogdan. Donations can also be made online at because.massgeneral.org/campaign/ed-bogdan-memorial/c394801.