Edward Vater

Edward G. Vater passed away on April 18, 2018 at the Jerome Home in New Britain, CT after a brief illness. He was 94 years old. A life-long resident of New Britain, Mr. Vater was born on June 10, 1923 to Otto and Elsie (Hornkohl) Vater. He was a 1941 graduate of New Britain High School, where he sang in the glee club and played the saxophone and clarinet in the band and orchestra. Music was a passion for the rest of his life. During World War II, Ed served in the US Army AirCorps and was sent to the European Theater of Operations. He entertained the troops in a big dance band at the 490th Bombardment Group, as did musical luminaries such as Benny Goodman and Charlie Barnet. His outfit earned five battle stars. Upon returning from service overseas, Ed was selected to be in the Army Specialized Training Program. He was stationed in Raleigh, N.C., where he studied engineering. His hometown sweetheart, Anne “Mickey” Siton, visited him there and they were married. Ed and Mickey enjoyed 63 years together, raising their family and sharing a love for dancing, traveling, and gardening. After completing his military service, Ed attended the Teachers College of Connecticut, now Central Connecticut State University, graduating in 1950. He was a firm believer in education, and continued to study throughout his life, taking courses at North Carolina State University, the University of Hartford, the University of California, and Dartmouth College. Ed retired as the Dean of Students at Middlesex Community College in 1983, after a 17-year association. Prior to that, he taught at Berlin High School, and earlier in his life, worked at various jobs including as a tool and die maker during the summers when school was not in session. Not one to sit around, after retiring from MCC, Ed enjoyed a part-time career as a Real Estate Agent at Gustin Real Estate Company. One of Ed’s favorite pastimes was performing as a dance band musician in local Hartford area clubs, often with his two brothers who accompanied him on drums and piano. He continued to play the saxophone and clarinet well into his 90’s and often performed for the residents at the Jerome Home and the Arbor Rose, where he resided for the last 18 months. Mr. Vater studied the Russian language for decades, visited Russia in 1982, and for many years taught English to Russian immigrants as a volunteer at the Beth Israel Synagogue in West Hartford. These adults were serious students, all of whom ultimately became U.S. citizens, and some of whom became Ed’s good friends. A life-long Democrat and community leader, Ed served as a New Britain Democratic Town Committee member and as a Justice of the Peace. He was elected as a CT State Representative, but was disallowed from serving because of the conflict presented by being a state employee. He was Chairman of the New Britain Public Works Department for 12 years and oversaw the Willow Brook Flood Control Project. Mr. Vater was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Britain, where his late step-father, Oscar V. Werner, was the Pastor for many years. Mr. Vater was predeceased by his parents, his wife Anne (Siton) Vater in 2006, and his two brothers, Alfred H. Vater and Robert C. Vater. He will be remembered fondly by his children, Robert A. Vater and his wife Pamela FitzGerald Vater of Greenville, NC, Carol A. Vater of Somerville, MA, and Paul E. Vater and his wife Joan Roehrig Vater of Andover, NJ, five grandchildren, Laura Graff and her husband Jason Graff of Richardson, TX, Sally Vater of Portland, ME, Robert E. Vater of Marlborough, MA, Martha Vater of Allamuchy, NJ, and Owen Vater and his wife Dr. Sarah Vater of New York, NY, and his one great-grandson, Warren Graff. Ed would want us to recognize two wonderful women, as well, and the family wishes to express our appreciation to Dr. Ann-Margaret Anselmo and Joanne Crowley for their kindness and companionship. Calling hours are THURSDAY (April 26, 2018) 5 to 7 PM at Carlson Funeral Home, 45 Franklin Square, New Britain. Funeral services for Mr. Vater are SATURDAY (April 28, 2018) 10 AM at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 303 Arch Street, New Britain, CT 06051 followed by burial in Fairview Cemetery, New Britain. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. John’s Lutheran Church Music Program. Please share a memory or note of sympathy at www.carlsonfuneralhome.com

Edward Vater

June 10, 1923 - April 18, 2018

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Edward Vater

June 10, 1923 - April 18, 2018

365 Days of Grief Support

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