Edmund (“Ed”) J. Gyllenhammer of Portland, CT (formerly of Old Saybrook, CT) died peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones and entered into eternal life with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, July 11, 2023. Ed was the loving husband and best friend of the love of his life, his wife Doris (“Dorrie”) Gyllenhammer. They had been happily and faithfully married for 52 years at the time of Dorrie’s death seven years ago.
Born in June of 1935 in Waterbury, CT, Ed was the son of Gustave Edmund Gyllenhammer and Marion Jacqueline Blacker. Throughout his life he served the needs of others. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, having honorably served his country on active duty from 1954 through 1958. He served as a past president and member of the Lion’s Club of Portland. He volunteered his time and talent for 10 years as chairman and member of the Old Saybrook Water Pollution Control Authority. For many years he served the Saybrook Manor Beach Association in various positions including the roles of president, board member, and tax collector. Ed was passionate and very vocal about politics. He volunteered as a moderator for elections, wrote many letters to the editor advocating on a wide array of political topics, and never missed voting at any election from the federal level down to the local level. Ed was also a member of St. Mary Church in Portland.
Ed was a hard worker all his life. He retired after a long career as a computer engineer with IBM. He was an excellent provider for both his immediate and extended family as well as for other people. He gave quietly and freely to those in need. Ed saw himself as a steward who was entrusted to use what God placed in his hands for the good of others: he contributed to several charitable causes and helped out many family members and friends with financial support, good advice and counsel, a listening ear, or a place to live. His home was always open to receive and welcome people. The front deck of his home in Old Saybrook was a regular gathering spot for neighbors, friends, and family, and no one was ever turned away.
Ed was also a devoted father and cherished grandfather. He is survived by his three children: Michele (Efrain) Gyllenhammer Lopez; John (Michele Tirone) Gyllenhammer; and Sharon Scaramella. His three grandchildren also survive him: Laura Scaramella; Gary (Mary) Scaramella Jr.; and Noah Gyllenhammer. Ed is also survived by his devoted and ever-present sister Karen Gyllenhammer Kennedy and by his “spiritual children” Paul Pessoni, Gary Scaramella, Holly Augeri, and Doug Ewing, all of whom have always remained an important part of his life. He was also the favored uncle of many nieces and nephews. Those who knew him best will always remember that one of his many favorite quotes was: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That’s why they call it the present.”
The family wishes to thank Dr. Peter Dixon and hospice worker Dianne Mathews for the loving care they provided for both Ed and Dorrie over these many years.
Funeral arrangements are private, but donations in Ed’s memory may be made to either St. Mary Church (45 Freestone Avenue, Portland, CT 06480) or to the Portland Food Bank (7 Waverly Avenue, Portland, CT 06480).
