Death date: Jan 26, 2021
Edward J. Gustafson, 54, of Stafford Springs, CT, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 26, 2021. He was born in Hartford, CT, son of Daniel Gustafson and the late Rita (Mansey) Gustafson. Ed was happiest when watching foot Read Obituary
I am so sorry and so sad to be only just learning of this. We went through programming boot camp together and learned a lot of each other's lives in the process. God bless Ed and his family.
I'm blown away. I've been waiting to write this, not with lack of things to say but more so, once I typed these words, it would become real. Becoming best friends with Ashley in 7th grade, I've known Ed for more than half my life. Ed was full of life, always laughing at Ashley and I for some crazy stuff we were doing or listening to. We used to make so many burned CD's and would make him play them when we were in the car. As soon as the music would start, he'd make some snide remark and say, "What the heck is this crap?" I'll admit, we had interesting taste back in the day. Ed was always taking us to the movies in East Windsor or taking us out to eat. I used to be such a baby about trying new foods and Ed lived to take us to Japanese or Thai restaurants. I remember looking at the menu with distaste and ordering rice. (thank God I loved rice and its filling). However, my palette has expanded and I'd like to think Ed would be proud of me for that. I have such fond memories of Ed through out the years. We never lost touch, we became friends on Facebook, best thing I ever did. He was always so sweet to me, treating me like I was almost one of his own. He gave me the nickname, Shrimp Toast, shortly after hanging out with Ashley a lot. I will forever be Shrimp Toast. Ed will be sorely missed, I used to see him at work a lot and its hard to believe I won't ever see him at work again. I'm so sorry to Ed's sister, Christele, my heart is with you, and my dearest friend, Ashley, I'm so, so, so sorry. Being an only child as well, my heart breaks into pieces for you. I am so proud of the person you are. I will always be here for you guys if you need me. I miss you all so much. Be well.
With all my love,
Shrimp Toast.
I cant believe when I heard u have passed away!!! Its sooo sad 😞 U were a good guy!!! U were so good to my kids. We all have soooo many good memories with u. U were very funny. Always had us laughing!!! I will always remember the stand up comedy u did. U had us in stitches. U will be dearly missed. I send my condolences to Ahley and his family. RIP . plz tell dad hi.
Words can’t describe how sorry I am to hear about ED. I will be keeping you in my warmest thoughts as you navigate this difficult time and wishing you hope and healing when you’re ready. I truthy enjoyed looking at all the photo's friends and family have posted here. Memories, special moments in time, forever captured to revisit, they will be cherish forever.
My heart goes out to the family,
Tammy Imbriglio
Ed, you will be missed. I haven't seen you in a while but you and Chris are always on my mind and we have a lot of memories starting with your interview with us to become one of our DJs for our company many years ago and you brought Ashley with you because Chris was working :) I just thought that was special. You were our best DJ for the school dances (you were the only one who could keep control of the kids) and give them a great time, every time - they asked for you every dance... (I wish I had some of those pictures to share here) Lots of years we spent together... You were the life of any gathering/party with your personality, you always made me laugh!! This saddens me to know you are gone, but I know you will put smiles on everyone's face in Heaven... say HI to my family... until we meet again. Miss you Doreen
This picture and comment sort of sums up our friendship. Thirty years of making each other laugh at each other’s expense, and Ed was a master at it. Looking back it seems like we were destined to stay friends no matter what life threw at us. Working out at the Stafford gym, having lunch in Hartford when we both worked there, watching football on Sunday’s at the condo. We lost touch for a few years until one day I pulled up at a stop light and looked over and there was Ed. He rolled down the window and said “ay what are you doing this weekend, wanna bench?” Fifteen years later we were still benching on Saturdays, two old guys still bringing it every week. There will never be another Ed and Saturdays will never be the same again. My condolences to Ed’s family, he was a good man who made a lot of people smile. Rest In peace buddy.
Have any pictures of Ed you'd like to share .....
I have so many memories... going fishing when I was a kid, spending the holidays together, my graduation party... and his sense of humor was unlike anyone I had ever met, he could make anyone laugh. I remember him helping me when I was applying for college, I remember spending a lot of time with him the summer I stayed over in 7th grade. A lot of great memories, he was always a great uncle and super fun to be around. ❤️
