Edward R. Nejame, Sr., 82, a lifelong resident of Danbury and the husband of the late Lucille Barbarotto Nejame, died on February 21, 2014 at Bethel Health Care in Bethel, CT. Born in Danbury, Ed was the son of Thomas and Lillian George Nejame.
Ed and his family lived above the family’s grocery store, established in 1921, Thomas Nejame IGA Food Market, at 91 South Street, Danbury, where Ed insisted on working in the family business at the young age of 7. After his father’s death, Ed became a butcher and managed the store, alongside his mother, until 1971. At that time, Ed went into the home improvement and swimming pool business, NeJame Co., Inc. with his brother-in-law, Charles. In 1986, Ed became partners with his three sons: Tom, Ed Jr. and Greg in Nejame & Sons and together they grew into one of the largest swimming pool companies in the northeast, which Ed was extremely proud of.
Ed attended St. Peter’s School, South Street School and graduated from Danbury High School in 1949. During his youth, Ed played baseball at the Danbury War Memorial park where he was affectionately nicknamed “Cookie” after Harry Arthur "Cookie" Lavagetto for his batting skills.
Ed was also a premiere jazz drummer that practiced five hours a day; he studied and perfected many forms of percussion. During the 1960’s he would play at local establishments with his band, Eddie Nejame’s Silvertones. Ed was an avid NY Giants fan and thoroughly enjoyed watching the games on Sundays with his sons and grandchildren. His spirit made them all Giants fans.
Ed is survived by his children: Thomas and his wife, Jackie, of Danbury. Jenifer and her husband, Barry Parish, of Hershey, PA. Edward, Jr. and his wife, Caron, of Danbury. Gregory and his wife, Sheila, of New Fairfield. “Papa” was most loved and will be dearly missed by his grandchildren: Thomas, Brittany, Matthew, Jason, Michael and Anthony Nejame and Madeleine Parish. Ed also had many nieces and nephews. Along with his family he was most grateful for the love and care given by his lady friend of 23 years, Nancy Tomkins. Predeceasing Ed was his sister, Elaine NeJame.
The Rite of Burial will be conducted Monday at 10am at St. Ann Melkite Church, 181 Clapboard Ridge Rd., Danbury, with the Rt. Rev. Michael K. Skrocki, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in St. Peter Cemetery, Danbury.
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