Edward "Ed" Lawton of Manchester passed away peacefully on March 27th at Hartford Hospital, comforted by his family and close friends. Ed was born on April 9th, 1932 in Pittsfield, MA to Albert and Margaret Lawton and spent his childhood years in Troy, NY. He joined the Army from 1952-54, after which he attended Bentley College in Boston and finished his education at the University of Hartford. In 1958, Ed married his Lansingburgh High School sweetheart, Millicent "Millie" Mealy, also of Troy. A year later Ed and Millie had their only son, Drew. Ed, Millie and Drew were a tight-knit family and rarely spent time apart. Memorable vacations included Africa, Spain, Portugal and simply fishing on Red Cedar Lake in Colchester. After 29 full years together, Millie sadly passed in 1987. She is undoubtedly joyful to have Ed by her side once again. Drew and his father shared a special bond on the fairways with trips to Pebble Beach and St. Andrews among their most memorable rounds together. Like his Dad, Drew works hard on and off the golf course. An Executive Vice President of New York Life Investments, Drew currently resides in New York City and serves on the National Board of Directors for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Those who knew Ed best recognized his unselfish devotion to others' happiness and well-being. A loving husband and father, he always placed the needs of his family before his own. As a volunteer baseball and basketball coach, Ed ensured that each and every child had a chance to play and enjoy the game, no matter their skill level. Ed also valued his friendships from Troy, the Army, college and his nearly 30-year career as a civilian employee for the Navy and Air Force. Known affectionately as "The Kid" at Manchester Country Club, he treasured the golf rounds with his "Swingers" seniors group, especially the one that included a Hole-In-One at age 69. Sunday afternoons in the fall and winter seasons were typically spent riding the highs and lows of the New York Giants. His true passion in sports though was reserved for the UConn Huskies Men's and Women's Basketball teams. Over the last decade, Ed was fortunate to witness national championships by each of these teams as well as two Super Bowl victories by his beloved Giants. In his final years, Ed was blessed by an especially close friendship with Norma Palmer of Manchester. A gentle, kind soul, Norma provided strength, support, companionship and a sense of humor when it was needed most. Her family accepted Ed as one of their own and entertained him over holidays, birthdays and other special gatherings. It is with sadness that we say goodbye to Ed but know that we are better for having him in our lives. Calling hours will be on Friday, March 30th from 11am-1pm, immediately followed by a prayer service at 1pm. All services will take place at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, located at 219 West Center Street in Manchester. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The First Tee of Connecticut at 525 Brooks St. Suite 206, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 (online at www.thefirstteect.org.), or to the Make-a-Wish Foundation of America at 4742 N. 24th St., Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85016 (online at www.wish.org). For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.