Staskelunas, Edward "Stasky"

Edward “Stasky” Staskelunas, 88, of Middletown, formerly of Higganum, husband of Barbara (Owens) Staskelunas, died Friday March 26, 2021 at Middlesex Hospital. Eddie was born in Manchester, CT, November 23, 1932 to Margaret (Klisus) and Edward Joseph Staskelunas. He grew up and began his glory days in New Britain where he starred in four sports: baseball, football, basketball and track. He was a recipient of the Burns Memorial Award for Excellence in Academics and Athletics and was inducted into the New Britain Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. After High School he went on to Springfield College and then served this great country in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict. After returning from the far east, he met his beloved wife Barbara at Brookley Air Force Base in Mobile, Alabama. They were soon married for what turned out to be 65 years. Ed and Barbara settled in Higganum, CT buying a small house at Hidden Lake and raising 3 children. Ed worked for Pratt and Whitney for 39 years. During his tenure there he traveled throughout the world and had the opportunity, along with Barbara, to live in Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Brussels, Belgium. Prior to moving overseas, Ed coached little league and served as President of Haddam Little League in its infancy. He was involved in his community serving in various roles, was an active member of St. Peter's Church and was part of the original owners of the Brookside Restaurant. At home, he made some of the best barbecued chicken, hamburgs, hot dogs and potato pancakes on the planet. He loved fishing, watching and participating in sports and was a talented barber known for his excellent crew cuts. Ed's biggest love in life was his wife and family and he spent his entire retirement solely with them, especially loving every minute with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, sons, Ed (Doreen) and Ron, daughter, Kathy and his beloved grandchildren, James, Amy, Hannah, Luke and Owen, and his great granddaughter, Kendra. He was predeceased by his grandson, Eddie Staskelunas. He also leaves his sisters, Shirley Bernacki and Pat (Roger) Coyle, as well as, many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Hank Bernacki. There will be private graveside ceremony with a celebration of his life happening when appropriate. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Eddie Staskelunas Scholarship Fund, 1 Hapenny Lane, Higganum, CT 06441. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.