Edmond Arthur Belanger, 95, beloved husband of Rachel Cavanaugh (McGahan), died peacefully Friday, Nov 29th, in Manchester, CT. Ed was the youngest of nine children born to Agnes (Poulin) and Joseph Belanger in Hartford, CT. He was predeceased by five brothers and three sisters: Cyril, Homer, Theodore, Ernest, Robert, Elva, Elinor and Agnes. He was a graduate of Buckley High School, Hartford, Class 1936B and Fordham University 1940. Ed was a true American patriot who distinguished himself for his country during World War II by entering military service in 1941 with the 43rd. Infantry Division. After completing officer's training, Ed was assigned to 28th Infantry Division with the rank of Lieutenant-Major. He distinguished himself in the Allied European Theater Campaign where he served directly under General Omar Bradley in England, Normandy, Germany, Belgium, and most significantly in Luxemburg (at The Battle of The Bulge), for which he was awarded The Bronze Star. He participated in the historic Liberation of Paris and marched under the Arc de Triomphe on August 26, 1944. After the war, Ed worked at the Veterans Association Hospital, White River Jct, VT. where he met Rachel, his beloved wife of over 65 years. In 1952, Ed and Rachel moved to Manchester, CT where Ed worked at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft as a manager in the Purchasing Department until he retired in 1983. During his tenure, Ed established the East Hartford Federal Credit Union where he served as Director from 1975 to 1985. During this time, Ed enjoyed a wonderful life with Rachel and family at home at Wellington Road, Manchester and additionally at his beloved "place in the woods" which Ed and Rachel built as well as at their Belanger family cottage which his father Joseph built in 1916 at Point O' Woods Beach (Old Lyme, CT). He was a communicant of Saint James Church and served as a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society for many years. Along with his loving wife Rachel, Ed leaves his family that, in his own words "he was so proud of": His son James Belanger of Manchester, CT; three daughters, Jane Bainbridge and husband Charles of Hobe Sound, FL. Mary Stark and husband James of Tolland, CT and Elaine Swart and husband Joseph of Terryville, CT. He also leaves his beloved grandchildren, Hilary Bainbridge Lange and husband Thomas, Heather Bainbridge, Andrew Bainbridge, Lauren and Lucas Stark, David and Rebecca Swart. Ed was recently blessed with two treasured great granddaughters, Emma and Ava Lange and all his wonderful nieces and nephews whom he cherished. Ed truely loved people... and everyone was special to him. There are countless people that were touched by Ed's genuine interest in them and his gentleness and concern that they have a happy and fulfilling life... those whom he simply loved without judgment ... as he loved life ... and sharing a wonderful life ... with everyone. The family would like to invite you to a celebration of Ed's wonderful life on Friday, Dec. 6th starting with calling hours from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center St. Manchester, CT. A funeral mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 896 Main St. Manchester, CT 06040, with burial service at St. James Cemetery, 368 Broad St. Manchester. The family would like to gratefully acknowledge the kindness, care and compassion of the wonderful staff of Manchester Memorial Hospital ICU and Step-Down Unit, The Manchester Manor and the Masonicare Hospice team. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ed's memory to the St. Vincent de Paul Society (C/O: St. James Catholic Church, 896 Main St. Manchester, CT 06040) or Masonicare Hospice, 111 Founders Plaza Suite 200, East Hartford, Ct 06108. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.