Edward Francis Riordan

Ed was born on July 27, 1929 in Worcester, MA, the son of Irish immigrant parents, and he was very proud of his Irish heritage. He graduated from St. John’s High School, received a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from Holy Cross College, and a Master’s Degree in Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

While on vacation in Cape Cod one warm summer day, he met the love of his life, Joan (Rattigan) Riordan and they made their home in Vernon, CT where they raised their family.

Ed is survived by his children, David and his wife Carol, Thomas and his wife Geralda and Anne (Riordan) Kessler and her husband Myles; six grandchildren, Kelsey, Galen, Patrick Riordan and Zachary, Dylan, Camryn Kessler; he was also blessed recently to meet his first great-grandchild, Ari Edward Kessler. He also leaves behind his beloved companion Tecla Yannelli who brought much love and joy to his later years. The family would also like to thank his devoted caretaker, Lydia Hightower, for her compassionate care near the end of his life.

Ed was predeceased by his wife, Joan; his infant son, Matthew; two brothers and two sisters.

Ed had a successful and rewarding 30 year career in Aerospace Engineering at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford, CT as a jet engine designer, but his biggest love was his family. Early family vacations were camping trips in a canvas tent, with Ed hauling the family and a makeshift trailer, from Florida to Prince Edward Island in his manual-shift Buick station wagon. In 1969, he and Joan purchased land on Whortleberry Island on Lake Winnipesaukee and built a cottage there, where they would build memories and adventures that continue to this day. In retirement, Ed and Joan became snowbirds, wintering in Jupiter, FL, where they made many friends and loved the warm weather and social life. Ed lived life very much on his own terms, and tales of his adventures, exploits, and sayings will live on through his children, grandchildren and his many great friends. His was truly a life well lived.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on January 16, 2026 at 10:00 in the morning at Saint Bernard’s Church in Rockville, CT, with burial to be at a later date.