Edward ("Ed") Francis Vilga (88), a lifelong resident of Manchester, died on Friday, October 2, 2015 at the Manchester Manor Convalescent Home. Ed was born on July 28, 1927 in Manchester to the late Anthony and Lenora (Piotrak) Vilga. His sister Genevieve ("Gennie") B. Vilga died at the age of 82 on January 15, 2008. Ed was a 1945 graduate of Manchester High School where he lettered in varsity baseball and basketball. He entered the United States Marines the same year, serving until the end of World War II. In 1987 he retired as a fuel cells technician for United Technologies in South Windsor, Connecticut, after more than 35 years of employment. He was a member of Assumption Catholic Church in Manchester. Ed is survived by his wife Helen (Simkus) Vilga, his son Edward Vilga of New York City, his daughter Mary Carey and her husband Tom of Colchester, his son David Vilga and wife Elizabeth of Ohio, and his daughter Carol Krenicky of Burlington. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Brendan Carey, Rachel Carey, Ian Carey, Michael Vilga, Lauren Vilga, Blake Vilga, Elizabeth Krenicky, and Will Krenicky. Ed will be greatly missed by many wonderful friends and neighbors. There will be a mass held at Assumption Church on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at 10 AM followed by a burial at Veteran's Memorial Soccer Field in Manchester, CT. All memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor's choice in Edward's memory.