Edward Serreze

New London — Edward Walter Serreze, 85, passed away on July 23, 2016, in New London.

He is survived by his three children, Suanne Serreze Shayer, Edward Walter Serreze Jr., and Sheryl Serreze; his four grandchildren, Naomi, Meadowlyn, Scott and Stacia; as well as three great-grandchildren, Nolan, Peyton and Lucas. His loving companion, Mary Rioux, and her two children, Kate and Alex, and her mother, Von, provided invaluable support and comfort in his final years.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Judith (Cargill) Serreze of Cumberland, R.I., and his sister, Joan (Serreze) Goodick.

Edward was born on Jan. 29, 1931, in Boston to Benedict F. Serreze and Margaret M. (O’Mara) Serreze. He served in the U.S. Naval Air Reserve, then graduated from Boston University with a degree in business.

He met and married Judy while at Boston University, and they eventually settled in Rhode Island where he worked for more than 40 years in the insurance industry. Ed also volunteered at Brown University’s Hays Library after his retirement, where he was awarded a “William Williams Award” in 1999 in recognition of his significant contributions to the Friends of Library Program. He was a Patriots fan and a Red Sox fanatic.

Edward was a social activist who was deeply involved in many liberal causes throughout his life, most notably every anti-war movement since 1966. His family and friends will always remember him as a deeply caring and moral person.

A memorial service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, July 30, 2016, at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Congregation in New London.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Groton Public Library or Brown University’s Friends of the Library in Edward’s memory.