Edward F. Welles, 77, the husband of fifty- five years to Eileen (Prior) Welles, died on Tuesday January 22 at his home. Born in Hartford, the son of Harry and Alice (Morgan) Welles, he lived in East Hartford for forty-five years and most recently in Manchester for the last seven years. Edward was a Staff Sargent for the National Guard where he served for nine years. He was formerly employed by Connecticut Printers and Allied Printing Services. He was a Little League coach in East Hartford for many years, a Cub Scout Master, the recipient of three Master Printer Awards, and was an avid UCONN men's and women's basketball fan. Besides his wife, he is survived by his children Susan Curtis of Ellington, Thomas Welles (Patricia) of East Hartford, Edward Welles of Vernon, Neil Welles (Elizabeth) of Newington, Dennis Welles (Kimberly) of Coventry, his grandchildren, Jennifer Hill (Craig), Steven Curtis, Brian, Abigail, Timothy, Karlene, and Tristan Welles, his great grandson Noah Hill, his sister-in-law Maureen Prior of Old Saybrook, and many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his brother William Welles. Edward's family would like to thank the VNA and hospice programs at ECHN for their wonderful care. Memorial contributions may be made to the ECHN Community Healthcare Foundation Inc. 71 Haynes , Manchester 06040 Attn. DeQuattro Community Cancer Center. Family and friends may call at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home 219 West Center Street Manchester on Sunday (1/27) from 1-5. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday (1/28) at 10:30 at St. Bridget's Church 80 Main Street, Manchester followed by burial in St. Bridget's Cemetery, Manchester. Family and friends are asked to go directly to church. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.