Edwin August Kellner Jr, 88, of Pawcatuck, CT (formerly of Smithtown, NY), left this life for the glories of Heaven on March 28. He passed away at his home in the company of his wife and family. Ed is survived by his wife Bonnie of nearly 63 years; his sons Kevin and Keith and daughter-in-law Patricia; his daughter Lori Jo George and son-in-law David George. Ed was also the proud grandfather of 5: Colton, Kurtis, Dale, Jared and Alianna. Ed was also a beloved uncle to Nancy Peters and Susan Levison; a grand uncle to Billy, Jennie, Jen, Kim and Missy and great grand uncle to 6 great grand nieces and nephews. Ed was a fervent Christian, having trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation at the age of 20. He was a devoted husband to Bonnie and a caring and attentive father to their 3 children, providing for them while employed at Grumman as an engineer and then for many years as a computer programmer and office manager at Codapro Corp on Long Island until his retirement. During those years Ed also served the members at Village Lane and Cleft of the Rock Bible Chapels as a youth leader and organizer, and also as an elder and preacher. Ed and Bonnie relocated to Stonington, CT after Ed’s retirement to assist their daughter and son-in-law with the care of their 3 sons, in particular their handicapped son, Kurtis. Ed and Bonnie lived with the George family, and Ed continued to serve through his love of music, Bible teaching, and fine food both at home and in their new church family, Wellspring Bible Fellowship of Groton, CT. Their faithfulness and dedication served as inspiration to the younger Christians. Ed will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.
Ed had a passion for children’s ministries, serving for many years as a camp counselor, Sunday school teacher and superintendent, vacation Bible school organizer, and youth conference organizer. In keeping with his passion for service to gospel ministry work devoted to children, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Parkside Ranch of Quebec, Canada. Parkside Ranch is a Christian ministry that for the last 50 years has been active in presenting the gospel and expressing the love of the Lord Jesus to both churched and unchurched youth. Donations can be made through CMML, Inc. (P.O.Box 13. Spring Lake, NJ 07762-0013) and designated for Parkside Ranch, either for their general fund or for their International Therapeutic Riding Center.