Edward J. Dooling

Edward J. Dooling, 77, of Naugatuck, beloved husband of Eileen Skehan Dooling for 50 wonderful years, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2023 after courageously fighting a long illness. He was born on May 31, 1946 in Meriden, CT to the late Edward J. and Ellen Dooling Sr.

Ed was a record holding swimmer at Sacred Heart High School in Waterbury.  He held a BS degree from Johnson State University in Vermont and a MS degree in Urban Studies from Southern Connecticut State University.  He went on to a long and successful career working as a Principal Budget Specialist for the Office of Policy & Management at the State of CT.  While Ed was born in Meriden, he spent his life in Naugatuck where he raised his family.  He loved his town and was the epitome of a community servant.  He helped make his local community of Naugatuck better by serving on a number of non-profit Boards.  They included, President of Peter J Foley Little League, Chairman of the Board for the United Way of Naugatuck & Beacon Falls, Chairman of the Board for the Morris Foundation, President of St. Francis Parish Council, and member of the Board of Directors for Whittemore Library.  He was also a Eucharistic Minister at St. Francis Church.  He loved reading, traveling the world with Eileen, eating large amounts of ice cream with his grandchildren, and vacationing with his family on Cape Cod. His affable and jovial demeanor made him a friend to anyone who met him. 

In addition to his wife, he leaves behind his son, Edward Dooling (Jennifer) and daughter, Kara Murcko (David).  He also leaves behind 5 beautiful granddaughters, who affectionately referred to him as Poppy, and who he spoiled relentlessly.  He could always be found in attendance at their school events, sporting events, dance recitals and any other activities where he could gush over them.  They are Olivia Theroux, Piper Dooling, Nora Dooling, Grace Dooling and Faith Murcko.  Instead of saying goodbye to his granddaughters when he would leave them, he would commonly tell them to “be good”.  He is also survived by three siblings who he teased and instigated incessantly as older brothers are prone to do.  These traits were passed down to his granddaughter Piper.  His siblings include Eileen Dooling RSM, Michael Dooling (Joan) and Kathleen Williams (Walter).  In addition, he had many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, brothers in law, sisters in law and close family friends who he shared special bonds with.  Each of them were special to him and have their own special memories and stories of their relationship with Ed.    

Throughout his illness, Ed displayed an extraordinary will to live life and never complained about the challenges he faced.  We should all be so fortunate to cross paths with someone who was able to leave a legacy of family, community and faith and by achieving this through kindness, a wonderful sense of humor and positive attitude.  This is not where we say goodbye but where we thank him for everything he has done for so many, we love you and…be good.  

Memorial contributions may be made in Ed’s memory to Peter J. Foley Little League or the Howard Whittemore Memorial Library. 

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Monday, November 20, 2023 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Naugatuck, 201 Meadow Street.  His funeral procession will depart the funeral home on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 9:15 a.m. and proceed to St. Francis of Assisi Church, 318 Church St., Naugatuck, CT, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at St. James Cemetery, 249 Cross St., Naugatuck, CT.

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