Edwin Madera Sr.

Born on December 21, 1947, in Brooklyn, NY, the son of the late Francisco Madera; his loving mother Ana Santiago Laracuente. He is also predeceased by his youngest daughter Michelle Madera, and his older brother Francisco Madera.

On July 4, 1970, in Brooklyn, NY, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Soto Madera of 44 years who survives along with his son Edwin Jr. and his wife Sue Madera of Norwich, Ct. His daughter, Cynthia B. Madera of Kissimmee, Florida. He also survived by his stepfather Nelson Laracuente, his loving sisters Ibelise and her husband Luis Santiago and Anna and her husband Mark Peake. He also has 8 grandchildren, Kyle, Kaila, Matt, and Marissa Madera. Andrianna (A.J.) Mendoza, Matthew Peake, Justin Mieles and Michael Madera. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Edwin moved with his wife from Brooklyn, NY to Providence, RI in 1971 then moved to Groton, Ct in 1972 where he settled for the first 25 years. He had a short period working at Electric Boat as an outside electrician in 1972. Then began his long career with Pfizer Inc. in 1972 where he started as a lab tech then became a chemical operator and held other various positions; retiring in 1992 after 20 years of service.

In his military career he joined the U.S. Air Force in 1966 after receiving honorable discharge in 1970. He then joined Army National Guard; AVCRAD Groton, Ct providing service for 6 years after receiving honorable discharge in 1987 as Sergeant rank. He also dedicated his life as a minister for 15 years and was a beloved pastor and founder of Rock of Salvation Christian church in Groton, Ct. He always loved to help other people in need. He had the love of music and playing his alto saxophone. He also loved spending time with his family and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Friday February 14, 2014 at 11 A.M., at Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 181 Ocean Ave., New London. Burial with military honors will follow at the Connecticut Veteran's Cemetery, Middletown. A calling hour will be held for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Please send flowers in his memory to the funeral home. Also in lieu of flowers donations are asked to be made in his memory to Huntington’s disease Society of America. http://www.hdsa.org/how-you-can-help/tributes-memorials.html